Dem
47
GOP
53
Is Tulsi Gabbard a Russian asset? We don't know, but it is hard to see how her recent move to revoke the security clearance of Obama and Biden administration officials helps national security. In a crisis, they could possibly provide useful advice if they are well informed. Gabbard said: "All personnel are reminded that holding a clearance is a privilege, not a right, and this privilege is contingent upon continued adherence to the principles and responsibilities of our profession." English translation: "Lack of support for Donald Trump will result in your security clearance being pulled."
In particular, Gabbard went after intelligence professionals who were part of the team that said Russia influenced the 2016 election in Trump's favor. A spokesperson for Barack Obama noted that the intelligence community's assessment was later supported by a 3-year investigation by the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee. The report was supported by then-Sen. Marco Rubio, who was chairman of the panel at the time. The punishment of the intelligence professionals is simply part of Trump's retribution tour. It has nothing to do with national security.
Mark Zaid, a national security attorney, said: "The vast majority of these individuals are not household names & are dedicated public servants who have worked across multiple presidential administrations." Larry Pfeiffer, who worked as chief of staff at the CIA, said: "The skill and talent that Trump and Gabbard deprive the U.S. national security and intelligence communities, govt & private sector, is huge. Makes one wonder who they are really working for, directly, indirectly, or as useful idiots." His post on eX-Twitter ended with a Russian flag. (V)