Tulsi Gabbard Revokes Security Clearances of 37 Intelligence Officials

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard revokes the clearances of 37 current and former officials, citing politicization of intelligence and national security concerns.

NEWS

8/20/20251 min read

Tulsi Gabbard Revokes Security Clearances of 37 Intelligence Officials

Tulsi Gabbard, now serving as Director of National Intelligence, just made a bold move: she stripped 37 current and former intel pros of their security clearances. She accuses them of letting politics override national security. People are talking, and this story is already trending.

Background / Why It Matters

Gabbard says President Trump backed her decision and that those affected “manipulated intelligence” or leaked classified information. While she frames it as a matter of integrity, critics call this a politically charged purge that undermines intelligence agencies and may violate legal protections.

Main Points

Selective Clearances Gone
The officials affected include analysts who worked on the Russia 2016 interference assessment, as well as members of Obama’s and Biden’s national security teams. Their names weren’t all disclosed, but the policy shift is clear—Gabbard is cleaning house.

Legal and Ethical Alarm Bells
Legal experts argue that releasing security clearance information may breach privacy rules unless exceptions apply. Critics say this move could set a precedent allowing national security to be weaponized for political gain.

Trend of Intelligence Restructuring
This comes on the heels of major budget cuts and staff restructuring proposed by Gabbard, part of a broader strategy to reshape the intelligence community.

Analysis / Expert View

This is less about purging “bad actors” and more about political signaling. Gabbard may solidify loyalty within the DNI, but she risks damaging the nonpartisan bedrock that intelligence policy must stand on.

Conclusion

Tulsi Gabbard’s clearance purge signals a shift toward political loyalty in intelligence. Whether viewed as cleansing or control, one thing is certain: intel politics just became much more public. Stay tuned as this unfolds.