Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Trump moves to silence critics (by revoking security clearances)
Collusion News Network ^ | Updated 7:20 AM ET, Tue July 24, 2018 | Stephen Collinson

Posted on 07/24/2018 6:02:11 AM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum

Washington (CNN) -- President Donald Trump's latest gambit to choke off the flow of information for past spy chiefs who have criticized him is a disturbing move that again exposes an imperious streak out of place in American democracy.

The President's threat to rip security clearances from some of the nation's most decorated former intelligence officials may turn out to be a classic Trumpian distraction play that whips up a media storm and drowns out stories that are damaging to the White House. But the idea that it is being seriously contemplated will send a chilling effect throughout Washington. The wielding of presidential power to punish prominent critics would take this White House perilously closer to potential abuses of executive authority -- perhaps moving it onto territory not tested by any commander in chief since Richard Nixon.

Singling out dissenting former public servants in this way is a norm-busting power play that might seem tame in political systems ruled with an iron grip by Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, who Trump admires. But it would be fueled by a strongman's instinct that both those leaders might recognize.

(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...


TOPICS: Front Page News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: boycotttimewarner; cheeseandwhine; clinton; cnn; dnctalkingpoints; fakenews; mediabias; nationalsecurity; obama; timelies; trump; trumpdoj
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-71 next last
To: E. Pluribus Unum

The critics President Trump needs to silence are those of us who think the Mueller investigation should’ve been ended as soon as the shenanigans were unveiled and don’t understand why those who work actively to subvert this Presidency still have security clearances. His base expects decisiveness in dealing with the DC Swamp.


21 posted on 07/24/2018 6:22:24 AM PDT by grania (President Trump, stop believing the Masters of War!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: E. Pluribus Unum

It’s possible that all of these individuals have been caught leaking classified information to the media. They kept their clearances long enough for evidence to be gathered.

https://twitter.com/drawandstrike/status/1021523277091627008


22 posted on 07/24/2018 6:22:55 AM PDT by Fresh Wind (Hillary: Go to jail. Go directly to jail. Do not pass GO. Do not collect 2 trillion dollars.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: E. Pluribus Unum
Trump moves to silence critics (by revoking security clearances)

Security Clearances are based on "a need to know". Even if you have a clearance and you do not have a demonstrated "a need to know", then you do not get access to classified information, regardless of the level of your clearance.

All of us peons who have held security clearances in the course of our jobs, get debriefed and the clearance deactivated when we leave the job, because we no longer have the "a need to know". These treasonous SOBs certainly should not be accessing classified information so they can "talk authoritatively" on TV or cocktail parties. The very fact that these traitors STILL have clearances is a primary reason why the chicoms and russkies seem to have no problems getting our technology and secrets.

Even some ostensibly still in "positions" should not have clearances - case in point: Idiot Joe Biden and his diarrhea mouth that got 30 members of Seal Team Six ambushed and killed.

23 posted on 07/24/2018 6:23:34 AM PDT by The Sons of Liberty ('DEPLORABLE' Charter Member of The Vast Right Wing Conspiracy - and DAMN Proud of it!.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: joesbucks

I’d say the press conference, which was unscheduled, and added at the last minute was just for the purpose of dropping this bomb. It was done for maximum effect and I believe is part of the cleansing of the deep state stables.

As a tactic this announcement was very effective. The MSM, and the Left are all reeling, dissembling, spinning and in their disarray they are unguarded in their speech further discrediting themselves. Masterfully done.


24 posted on 07/24/2018 6:24:41 AM PDT by JayGalt (You can't teach a donkey how to tap dance.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: E. Pluribus Unum

Apparently this moron does not know the meaning of the word “former”. A former CIA director has no right to see classified info asshat.


25 posted on 07/24/2018 6:25:06 AM PDT by gibsonguy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: E. Pluribus Unum

“Decorated” former officials? Shows how anybody can get decorated nowadays.


26 posted on 07/24/2018 6:25:28 AM PDT by Socon-Econ
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: E. Pluribus Unum

What is CNN worried about? They still have their pipeline of secret info from their paid-off FBI agents.


27 posted on 07/24/2018 6:25:59 AM PDT by Flick Lives (Suddenly someone'll say, like, plate, or shrimp, or plate o' shrimp out of the blue, no explanation.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: E. Pluribus Unum

Just when I think it’s impossible for the media to become MORE unhinged, they do.


28 posted on 07/24/2018 6:26:40 AM PDT by 1Old Pro
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Comment #29 Removed by Moderator

To: E. Pluribus Unum

These would be the same people that conspired to try to prevent his election.
And have undermined everything he has tried to do as President.

Crimes were committed by these people, but the Ministry of Propaganda won’t tell you about that.


30 posted on 07/24/2018 6:35:57 AM PDT by Lurkinanloomin (Natural Born Citizen Means Born Here of Citizen Parents__Know Islam, No Peace - No Islam, Know Peace)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: E. Pluribus Unum

It’s incomprehensible that they still have it. That goes for anyone of whatever political persuasion.


31 posted on 07/24/2018 6:36:39 AM PDT by Wolfie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: E. Pluribus Unum

No comments allowed on the CNN page. That’s a big second clue that it’s BS.

The first clue is that it’s CNN.


32 posted on 07/24/2018 6:40:27 AM PDT by savedbygrace
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Socon-Econ

They should be decorating the cherry trees around the District of Corruption.


33 posted on 07/24/2018 6:41:05 AM PDT by Lurkinanloomin (Natural Born Citizen Means Born Here of Citizen Parents__Know Islam, No Peace - No Islam, Know Peace)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies]

To: E. Pluribus Unum

If you are no longer working for the govt you don’t need a security clearance.


34 posted on 07/24/2018 6:41:13 AM PDT by Georgia Girl 2 (The only purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have dropped)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: E. Pluribus Unum; All

” Trump moves to Stem Leaks and Compromises of Classified Material by Offucials No Longer Employed in Govt Positions”

There - fixed it
Btw there have been some really really bad probably damaging or even source- life- risking leaks since the Putin meeting
Astounding- treason!

https://truepundit.com/traitors-nyt-risks-us-intel-assets-in-disgraceful-attempt-to-catch-trump-lying/

https://www.politico.com/amp/story/2018/07/23/trump-putin-secrets-intelligence-736242?__twitter_impression=true


35 posted on 07/24/2018 6:41:28 AM PDT by silverleaf (A man who kneels for the national anthem doesn't stand for much of anything)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: a fool in paradise
why should the known Communist ex-head of the CIA still have a security clearance?

Well, CNN's paying Brennan for access to the billion dollar US intelligence database... and they want their money's worth.

Without access Brennans not worth crap.

36 posted on 07/24/2018 6:42:13 AM PDT by GOPJ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-s1_nfs7f4 STOP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-IsingvI_I)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: JayGalt

Nothing masterful as they are reeling for the wrong reasons. With two of the people not having clearance to begin with, it looks like amateur hour at the WH.


37 posted on 07/24/2018 6:42:54 AM PDT by joesbucks
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: Mr Rogers

Security clearance should end when the employee leaves the job. Why would they get this information in private life? Are they using it to make investments for clients or themselves? Congress needs to put a stop to this stupid practice.


38 posted on 07/24/2018 6:43:03 AM PDT by Peeps47 (Democrats are as corrupt as they are incompetent)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: ghannonf18

Except the unwashed masses are educated by the MSN which has totally explained this as retribution for being critical, not spying.


39 posted on 07/24/2018 6:43:47 AM PDT by joesbucks
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies]

To: E. Pluribus Unum

Brennan has been actively and publicly working to destroy the presidency of Pres Trump. Why has he still got access to govt sources which he can manipulate and use for ammunition in his treasonous efforts? And why is not the security clearance which govt employees are given while employed with the govt not withdrawn from that employee upon their severance from their job? The present situation that prevails in our govt is untenable with high level ex employees using the resources of the govt to advance their war on a sitting president who was legally elected by millions of American citizens. A presidential executive order needs to be isssued immediately to cover the known traitors as well as the whole system of security clearance redone to a sensible plan. Obama is sitting in his DC walled mansion with access to govt resources which are used to facilitate his shadow govt. How totally ignorant and stupid is that to be tolerated by a current administration?


40 posted on 07/24/2018 6:45:48 AM PDT by mountainfolk
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-71 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson