Latest news with #GovernmentOversight
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Tulsi Gabbard revokes security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has revoked the security clearances of at least 37 current and former top government officials, accusing them of 'abusing the public trust' and manipulating and leaking documents. Gabbard recently revived the 'Russiagate' furore of the president's first term by recommending that the Justice Department investigate several Obama -era intelligence personnel, including former FBI director James Comey, ex-CIA director John Brennan and her predecessor James Clapper, after accusing them of 'manufacturing' evidence of Kremlin meddling in an effort delegitimize the Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton in 2016. Some of the officials concerned in the latest clearance cull were involved in assessing the extent of Russia 's efforts to interfere in that year's presidential election, according to a memo obtained by CNN. Members of former President Joe Biden 's National Security Council have also had their access removed, the memo reveals, although it does not make specific accusations of wrongdoing. It does, however, accuse the officials targeted of engaging in the 'politicization or weaponization of intelligence to advance personal, partisan, or non-objective agendas inconsistent with national security priorities.' Gabbard confirmed the story, first reported by The New York Post, in a post on X on Tuesday evening, in which she said: 'Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right. 'Those in the intelligence community who betray their oath to the Constitution and put their own interests ahead of the interests of the American people have broken the sacred trust they promised to uphold. 'In doing so, they undermine our national security, the safety and security of the American people and the foundational principles of our democratic republic.' She went on to say that the 37 officials concerned had 'abused the public trust by politicizing and manipulating intelligence, leaking classified intelligence without authorization, and/or committing intentional egregious violations of tradecraft standards.' Gabbard concluded: 'Our intelligence community must be committed to upholding the values and principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and maintain a laser-like focus on our mission of ensuring the safety, security and freedom of the American people.' In addition to her 'treasonous conspiracy' allegation against the Obama-era intelligence community, CIA Director John Ratcliffe has also released his review attacking 2017 assessments of Russia's actions to influence the contest between Trump and Clinton. Obama himself issued a rare retaliatory rebuke to Gabbard last month in which his spokesperson, Patrick Rodenbush, said: 'Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response. But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one. 'These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction. Nothing in the document issued last week undercuts the widely accepted conclusion that Russia worked to influence the 2016 presidential election but did not successfully manipulate any votes.' Democrats have echoed his 'distraction' critique, noting that Gabbard first made her accusations in late July after three weeks of non-stop coverage of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal left the president and his administration under siege. They have also accused her of 'weaponizing' her office, contradicting her claims to be 'depoliticizing' its operations. 'These are unlawful and unconstitutional decisions that deviate from well-settled, decades old laws and policies that sought to protect against just this type of action,' said Mark Zaid, a national security attorney whose own clearance was previously revoked by Trump. 'For this administration to claim these individuals politicized or weaponized intelligence blatantly wreaks of hypocrisy. This administration would make Senator [Joseph] McCarthy proud.'
CNN
2 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
Will Epstein files becoming public give us any new details?
Will Epstein files becoming public give us any new details? The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform intends to make public some files it subpoenaed related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, though it will first redact them to shield victims' IDs and other sensitive matters. 01:51 - Source: CNN Vertical Top News 15 videos Will Epstein files becoming public give us any new details? The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform intends to make public some files it subpoenaed related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, though it will first redact them to shield victims' IDs and other sensitive matters. 01:51 - Source: CNN Hot mic catches Trump saying he thinks Putin 'wants to make a deal for me' Ahead of the multilateral meeting, President Donald Trump was caught on a hot mic saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to reach a resolution to the war for him. 00:23 - Source: CNN Trump says he plans to call Putin after Zelensky meeting President Donald Trump says he plans to talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin after his talks at the White House today with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 00:34 - Source: CNN Zelensky returns to the White House for 'historic' Ukraine summit US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky reunited in the Oval Office for a meeting that 'could not have been more different' than the heated confrontation that took place back in February, CNN's Senior White House Correspondent Kristen Holmes says. 02:32 - Source: CNN Hurricane hunters fly through Hurricane Erin Hurricane hunters with the NOAA flew through Hurricane Erin after it rapidly intensified into a rare Category 5 hurricane. Erin is expected to continue to fluctuate in intensity as it undergoes an eyewall replacement cycle. 00:37 - Source: CNN Nationwide demonstrations across Israel demanding hostage deal A planned nationwide strike in Israel on Sunday saw hundreds of thousands take part to call on the government to bring the remaining hostages in Gaza home. CNN's Oren Liebermann reports from Tel Aviv. 01:23 - Source: CNN Canadian government orders end to Air Canada strike After more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike seeking wage increases and paid compensation for work when planes are on the ground, the Canada Industrial Relations Board has ordered them to return to work according to an announcement by Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. 01:05 - Source: CNN Russian media reacts positively to Trump-Putin Summit Russian state TV gave a positive coverage of the outcome of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, celebrating the handshake between the two leaders. Russian officials also stated that the meeting resulted in progress on sanctions and opened up room for future negotiations. CNN's Fred Pleitgen reports. 01:23 - Source: CNN F-22s that intercept Russian aircraft greet Putin on red carpet Four F-22 Raptors flanked the red carpet on the tarmac as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for his meeting with US President Donald Trump. CNN's Natasha Bertrand details how these F-22 are are the same type used to intercept Russian aircraft. 00:43 - Source: CNN London's toxic trash 'volcano' Arnolds Field landfill on Launders Lane in east London is better known to locals as the 'Rainham volcano.' The site was used as an illegal dump for years and now, every summer, it bursts into flames, sending plumes of acrid smoke over nearby homes, parks and schools. CNN's Laura Paddison speaks to residents who feel abandoned and trapped. 02:05 - Source: CNN Here's what happened during Trump-Putin meeting CNN's Kristen Holmes breaks down what happened during President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin's summit in Anchorage, Alaska. 02:35 - Source: CNN Trump-Putin summit ends with no deal US President Donald Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin 'made some headway' and 'great progress' in their bilateral meeting, but added that 'there's no deal until there's a deal.' 01:15 - Source: CNN Putin makes faces as journalists ask about Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin did not respond to reporters' questions about the war in Ukraine as his meeting with President Donald Trump and top aides was set to begin. Putin appeared to make a confused expression as multiple journalists began shouting questions. 00:13 - Source: CNN Trump and Putin land in Alaska for historic summit US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at a US military base in Alaska where the two leaders took part in a red carpet greeting ahead of their talks on Ukraine. As both leaders met on the tarmac, a flyover of American military planes passed overhead, including fighter jets and what appeared to be a B-2 stealth bomber. 00:59 - Source: CNN Erin becomes Atlantic season's first hurricane Erin strengthened to become the Atlantic season's first hurricane. The storm is expected to avoid landfall in the United States but might create dangerous beach conditions along the Atlantic coast, forecasters predict. CNN's Brandon Miller breaks down the hurricane's path. 00:58 - Source: CNN
CNN
2 days ago
- Politics
- CNN
House panel to make Epstein files public after redactions to protect victim identities
Congressional news Federal agenciesFacebookTweetLink Follow The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform intends to make public some files it subpoenaed related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, though it will first redact them to shield victims' IDs and other sensitive matters, a committee spokesperson said Tuesday. The panel is expected to start receiving materials from the Justice Department Friday, though it appears the public release will come some time after that. The spokesperson said the committee would work with the Justice Department on the process. 'The Committee intends to make the records public after thorough review to ensure all victims' identification and child sexual abuse material are redacted. The Committee will also consult with the DOJ to ensure any documents released do not negatively impact ongoing criminal cases and investigations,' the spokesperson said. Many Republicans have called for more transparency surrounding the case and the release of records related to the matter – and the issue has roiled the House. Speaker Mike Johnson took steps to delay until September a vote of the full House to publicly release the DOJ's Epstein files. The Louisiana congressman has said he supports transparency in the case but wants to give the administration room to handle the matter.
