WASHINGTON, DC — A classified security crackdown has rocked the U.S. intelligence community as the Director of National Intelligence, at the direction of the President, revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former intelligence professionals accused of compromising national security through politicized behavior, unauthorized leaks, and serious violations of professional standards, Director of National Intelligence Tusli Gabbard reported today.
The decision, outlined in an unclassified memorandum circulated across federal agencies, cites a pattern of conduct “detrimental to the trust and confidence required for continued access to national security information.” The individuals named are accused of using intelligence to advance partisan agendas, mishandling classified materials, and disregarding established analytic tradecraft.
All 37 individuals—some of whom held senior roles in past administrations—have had their access to classified systems and materials terminated. Any contracts or employment with the federal government are also canceled effective immediately. Credentials held by these individuals must now be surrendered to agency security officers.
The list includes high-profile names such as Maher Bitar, Stephanie O’Sullivan, Samantha E. Vinograd, and Michael P. Dempsey, among others who have served across the CIA, NSA, and other intelligence agencies. While no specific incidents were publicly detailed, the DNI memo indicates the conduct broadly violated the standards required for access to classified information under Executive Order 13526.
An accompanying statement issued by senior intelligence officials reinforced that holding a clearance is a privilege contingent on adherence to professional norms, objectivity, and nonpartisanship. Officials emphasized that any betrayal of these standards not only jeopardizes national security but also endangers the safety of the American people.
A newly posted import alert and internal agency directive will ensure the individuals named in the revocation list are barred from any further access to classified materials or involvement in federal intelligence operations.
The DNI’s office also reminded all personnel that even low-level misuse of access—whether through politicization, unauthorized disclosure, or poor handling of sensitive data—represents a fundamental breach of the oath intelligence professionals take to protect the Constitution and serve the American public.
Key Points
- 37 individuals had security clearances revoked over violations including politicization of intelligence and leaking classified information
- Names include former senior officials from across the intelligence community
- Clearances revoked under Executive Order 13526 to safeguard national security integrity
Washington’s intelligence circles are reeling after dozens of officials lose access to the nation’s secrets in a stunning mass revocation.