Security Clearances: A Political Tug-of-War
On a recent episode of her podcast, Megyn Kelly engaged in a lighthearted yet pointed discussion with Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, about the revocation of Hillary Clinton’s security clearance. This move comes on the heels of President Trump’s anointment of new political doctrines—namely, stripping security access from prominent figures associated with the previous administration.
In a statement made in March, President Trump declared, “I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information.” This declaration set the stage for a dramatic reshuffling of security clearances, affecting a range of individuals from the former Obama/Biden administration.
Who Lost Access?
Here’s the full roster of those who have had their security clearances revoked:
- Antony Blinken, former Secretary of State
- Jake Sullivan, former National Security Adviser
- Lisa Monaco, former Deputy Attorney General
- Mark Zaid, lawyer
- Norman Eisen, lawyer and senior fellow at Brookings
- Letitia James, New York Attorney General
- Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney
- Andrew Weissmann, lawyer
- Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State
- Elizabeth Cheney, former Wyoming Representative
- Kamala Harris, former Vice President
- Adam Kinzinger, former Illinois Representative
- Fiona Hill, former White House Russia expert
- Alexander Vindman, retired Lt. Col.
- Joseph R. Biden Jr., former President
- Any other member of Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s family
In his directive, Trump emphasized the urgency of the matter, instructing all executive departments and agency heads to act swiftly to revoke these clearances. The implications of such a move are not just bureaucratic; they echo through the halls of political power and public perception.
Gabbard Takes Action
Subsequently, Gabbard confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that she had executed the directive, stating: “Per @POTUS directive, I have revoked former President Joe Biden’s security clearance, and revoked clearances and access to classified information for Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, Fiona Hill, and Alexander Vindman.” This announcement marked a significant moment in the ongoing saga of political accountability and transparency—or the lack thereof.
Per @POTUS directive, I have revoked former President Joe Biden’s security clearance, and revoked clearances and access to classified information for Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, Fiona Hill, and Alexander Vindman.
— DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) March 28, 2025
A Touch of Humor
In her conversation with Kelly, Gabbard couldn’t help but chuckle when reflecting on the significance of revoking Clinton’s clearance. Kelly quipped, “That must have been a little fun,” to which Gabbard replied, “I smiled.” This exchange highlights the often theatrical nature of political maneuvering, where serious decisions are sometimes treated with a lightheartedness that belies their gravity.
Kelly’s remark, “You’re only human,” underscores the emotional weight behind such actions, blending the personal with the political in a way that is both relatable and profound. In the end, the revocation of security clearances may be a mere administrative task, but it resonates deeply within the broader narrative of American political life.
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