world

Trump revokes ex-CIA chief's security clearance, evaluating other critics

121 Comments
By Steve Holland and Jeff Mason

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Thomson Reuters 2018.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

121 Comments
Login to comment

Those clearances are not for their own benefits. Its for current officials to tap into their experiences in order to understand and handle current and future threats.

Which part of this is difficult for u Trumpers to comprehend?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There is no reason for any EX-Gov't official to have a Security Clearance, weather they are critics or not. Japan Update continues to blast Trump, Leads me to believe they are part of the mainstream media that Trump refers to. Whatever happened to unbiased News?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Capitalism is the only system that gives everyone a chance to rise from a modest standing and become wealthy like Obama and the Clintons without having to resort to theft.

Just like pretty much everything, extremes don't work. Capitalism is only good when it is regulated. Unbridled capitalism leads to extreme income disparity, damage to the planet, a lower class with no protections whatsoever, and an elite upper class that is above the law. This is no different than the end result of unbridled Communism or Socialism.

Capitalism is the best system, but it needs to be regulated or it runs rampant and out of control, which ends up hurting us all.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

WolfpackAug. 16 11:48 pm JST

Capitalism is the only system that gives everyone a chance to rise from a modest standing and become wealthy like Obama and the Clintons without having to resort to theft.

How about when it gets hijacked by corporate barons whose income is 400% more than their employees'? It's just as vulnerable to exploitation as any other system.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Another day, and more embarrassment from the White House. Putin is getting his money's worth.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The plan isn't to shift media attention from Omarosa.

Its a calculated plan to prevent potential witnesses from accessing classified info when they are called to help investigators.

That's the whole story.

But the side effect is worse. These people on the enemy list have over 200 years of combined intelligence service. One wonders why sidelined Dan Coats doesn't resign in protest. They are sabotaging his ability to properly do his work.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Andrew TopolskiToday  11:14 am JST

Like EVERY OTHER JOB, when you are gone, you return your equipment, vacate the desk and oh yeah, your Access is revoked.

As has already been adequately explained here, security clearance has nothing at all to do with security access.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Having been told by the Republican Senate leadership that he is not allowed to shut down the Mueller investigation into his corruption, he has decided to take away the security clearances of everyone who used to work in leadership positions in the US intelligence community.

Well, that doesn't make him look guilty.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

fascism:  a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism. who does this remind you of!?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

And for that matter, every other ex employee or contractor should also have clearance and access revoked.

your missing the whole point his current employment status wasnt a factor in his clearance being revoked, it was because he speaks out against Trump and Trump is just trying to scare his critics into silence this isnt democracy its fascism

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The complainers and left wingers coming unhinged over this nonsense are amusing. Lets keep it simple, the clown brenner is NOT a government employee or contractor, he does not work for the government any more. Like EVERY OTHER JOB, when you are gone, you return your equipment, vacate the desk and oh yeah, your Access is revoked. This guy doesnt work for the government, he doesnt need nor should he have access. And for that matter, every other ex employee or contractor should also have clearance and access revoked.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

WolfpackToday  12:56 am JST 

I would argue it is beneficial to national security because highly sensitive national secrets should be limited to those who have a need to know. 

Seriously? Sheesh!

That's not how security clearances work. Once you get a clearance, you don't automatically get to rifle through whatever info you want. Access is often still restricted on a need-to-know basis. It's just with a clearance, when government intelligence leaders determine you do need to know, they can tell you without waiting on a long background check.

And those complaining about free speech - how does losing his security clearance prevent Brennan from talking on CNN? 

Some private jobs require security clearances even if they don't actually result in sharing classified information. POUTUS is effectively threatening post- intelligence careers of current employees with this move.

Te official GOP talking points defending Trump's despotism here depend on misleading the audience as to what a security clearance actually is. Whether that's due to malicious intent or because Trump himself doesn't actually know, I'll leave up to you.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

How is removing the government security clearance of a private citizen who has no business with the government and who is employed by a private corporation detrimental to national security?

Good point. This is a way for Trump to huff and puff.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

A new Rasmussen poll shows that 49% of likely U.S. voters approve of President Trump’s job performance.

I love how people cherry pick the highest ratings they can find when the average of all major polls shows Trumps approval at 42% disapproval at 52%

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/trump-approval-ratings/

4 ( +4 / -0 )

@Laguna: It may be detrimental to national security, but that's the least on Trump's mind 

How is removing the government security clearance of a private citizen who has no business with the government and who is employed by a private corporation detrimental to national security? I would argue it is beneficial to national security because highly sensitive national secrets should be limited to those who have a need to know. As an employee of CNN with no business with government he no longer has a need to know. There is no logic to this Leftist talking point. It’s not like he is the only person who has ever run the CIA. Are Dems and the Leftist media not up on the news that there is a new person in that position now?

And those complaining about free speech - how does losing his security clearance prevent Brennan from talking on CNN? Answer- it doesn’t. Brennan will not be imprisoned for exercising his right to free speech. He can and will attack Trump every single day and he will be paid much more money than he ever made as head of a government agency. If you are a Democrat that’s got to make you happy as a clam. Why all the hate and anger over nothing?

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Yeah, Super - and that list will grow as more defect. Looks like we're in for a long, hard slog unless something dramatic happens. Which seems increasingly likely.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Laguna: The document stripping him of his security was dated July 26; no doubt, Trump was sitting on it until he could use it to distract

Yep. And Rudy went on Fox News on Monday to intentionally spread the lie that the Trump investigation started with the dossier and Brennan was the man who made it happen.

And no doubt he has a long list of others he will use in the same way. It may be detrimental to national security, but that's the least on Trump's mind - as long as it benefits him personally. That's the way it's always been, and that's the way it will always be .

Yep again. Trump and his base are holding steady with the concept that 100% of the people who speak out against Trump are a threat in need of silence or punishment.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

That picture says it all!

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

No. Brennan's spot-on here. The document stripping him of his security was dated July 26; no doubt, Trump was sitting on it until he could use it to distract. And no doubt he has a long list of others he will use in the same way. It may be detrimental to national security, but that's the least on Trump's mind - as long as it benefits him personally. That's the way it's always been, and that's the way it will always be .

4 ( +5 / -1 )

@Toasted: Of course, true communism (for the people and by the people) tends (like capitalism) to get hijacked by insecure and egotistical men who cannot stand criticism. And we all know how that pans out.

Tends? No, true Communism always gets hijacked by someone who thinks they know better about how society should be ordered thereby putting their own interests above all others. Communism and it’s little brother Socialism always has people justifying their own aggrandizement over the proletariat/working class - because it is human nature to put ones own interests first. Even over those the collectivists say they are looking out for. It’s how Obama can say while he is in office that rich people don’t need to be too rich and now he is a multi millionaire ( just signed a fat deal with NetFlix).

Capitalism is the only system that gives everyone a chance to rise from a modest standing and become wealthy like Obama and the Clintons without having to resort to theft. Communists and Socialists get filthy rich the way Castro and Maduro did it - by taking money from the general treasury and depositing it in foreign accounts. Or by someone higher up the latter handing down a government benefit the way Kings gave tribute to their most loyal retainers. People like Castro, Maduro, Mao, and Stalin are dyed in the wool collectivists who are and we’re hero’s to the masses of deluded proletarians in the West too wedded to the socialist ideal (or simply lazy) to get off their own butts to make the system work for themselves.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Brennan tweet from the article Super posted:

"This action is part of a broader effort by Mr. Trump to suppress freedom of speech & punish critics. It should gravely worry all Americans, including intelligence professionals, about the cost of speaking out. My principles are worth far more than clearances. I will not relent."

He is clearly delusional.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

Check out the FoxNews.com comment section for this story:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/08/15/trump-revokes-security-clearance-for-former-cia-director-john-brennan.html

It's a cesspool of conspiracy theories and "liberals" comments.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

If you bothered to watch the links, Northern, you might learn something.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

OH MY!

Bongino: Brennan was puppet master behind Trump spying

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjqyyCehn-0

Former CIA Director John Brennan is a walking, talking representation of why Americans don't have faith and trust in their government.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HidDYykbsOY

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

Hmm. Trump is just quoted as saying regarding Brennan's security revocation:

I call it the rigged witch hunt, it's a sham. And these people led it! So I think it’s something that had to be done.

Sheesh. Talk about digging yourself into a hole. Why doesn't he simply come out and say directly, "Anyone who cooperates with Mueller will feel the entire wrath that the presidency can bear (plus an insulting nickname)!"

6 ( +6 / -0 )

So many GOP nutjobs these days.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Economy is so great

Can you trust it? Is it pre-2008 all over again?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

mukashiyokatta: "So let me see if I have got this right -- Fake President... "

Nope, ya got that wrong.

Oh my...

A new Rasmussen poll shows that 49% of likely U.S. voters approve of President Trump’s job performance.

Furthermore, President Trump’s approval ratings among black voters has reached 36%. On this day last year, Trump’s approval among black voters was 19%.

But wait... Rasmussen is fake! Never mind!

Mueller/Omarosa 2020!

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Isn't it normal to have all you access revoked when you leave your current employment? I do not think when I leave my current employment I would still have access to their network/data.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

 There's no such thing as having access to classified information so you can have "freedom of speech".

Yes, as a growing number of Trump administration exiters are understanding.

Brennan reached maturity under Bush, when many terrorists were "disappeared," at least for a short time. His complicity in this stalled his career; this seemingly would endear him to the Trumpists were it not insistence on absolute oral capitulation.

Brnnan later learned there's a right way to do a right thing, a wrong way to do a right thing, a right way to do a wrong thing, and a wrong way to do a wrong thing. That he'd be able to share this knowledge with the current CIA director would have been useful. Too bad Trump has complicated this.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Let's summarize the Trumpsters' view, shall we?

A former intelligence agent, working in their private citizen capacity, expresses an opinion critical of the regime and is punished.

Trumpster Verdict: Not censorship, because he is still technically able to speak (even if it means he might get further punished) and besides, anyone who says something negative about our dear leader was probably going to act traitorously anyway.

A private company chooses not to use their equipment and bandwidth to publish the hateful and violence-inciting opinions of a supporter of the regime as it violates their user agreement the supporter agreed to when they first started using the service.

Trumpster Verdict: Censorship, because private companies owe it to the state to provide platforms to supporters of the state even if he is technically able to speak.

A league of private sports teams who are majority people of color use their platform to raise awareness of the state's disproportionate use of (sometimes deadly) violence against people of color in policing. The President repeatedly demands they be fired.

Trumpster Verdict: Not Censorship, because criticism of the state's mechanisms of power must always amount to disloyal criticism of the state as a whole, also for some reason these players are just somehow bad people and we shouldn't listen to what they have to say.

I'm trying to remember what these ideas remind me of... something about the state being all-powerful and private businesses and citizens' rights only existing in service of it... something that starts with an 'f'...

4 ( +4 / -0 )

"This action is part of a broader effort by Mr. Trump to suppress freedom of speech & punish critics." -- article

That's about the stupidest thing I've ever heard Brennan say -- and he's said a lot of really stupid stuff. A security clearance has nothing to do with freedom of speech. In fact, having a security clearance means you keep your mouth shut. There's no such thing as having access to classified information so you can have "freedom of speech".

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

In 2024 you may have your wish

possible, and Putin will still be President of Russia and Xi of China, everything else will still be the same as it is today.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It shouldn't be surprising but the irony of Trump's tweets on his critics often seems to be a form of projection. I wonder just how aware this charlatan is?

ya'll didn't even bother to watch and learn something, did you?

I've clicked on probably a dozen of your links over the last year or so and it's the same dirge, over and over again.

What I have learned is that there's a distinct distancing from reality when it comes to the core supporters.

I thought the Reaganites were pretty boss when it came to defending their chump-in-chief but these days the faithful really take not just the biscuit but the whole pack.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

You can see the level of intellect we’re dealing with here.

Laguna, I can certainly see the level of intellect you are dealing with. Must be a rough life you've had. Rather than put words into my mouth that better fit your small-minded stereotypes, try to find rational counter-arguments. You'll get fewer upvotes, but you might actually learn something.

In fact, Trump's misuse of these agencies already shows; it's bad and will get worse. That is precisely what Brennar is warning about.

My point is that the agencies have been misused for some time, and that Brennan himself was among the worst of the people misusing them. This is one of the kinder articles the Guardian ran about Brennan before he became a "voice for the people." https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/10/cia-director-john-brennan-quit-mark-udall

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Bass: The top echelon, Yup.

You mean Rosenstein and Sessions? The Republicans appointed by Trump? Why wouldn’t anyone under them speak out in support of your allegations?

Amd black, still curious about your “timing” statement.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Meanwhile Trump has confirmed more federal judges than any President in history. Impact for generations. So please keep focusing on Omarosa and Brennan.

Economy is so great that liberals have extra money to give away on the Internet to crooked FBI agents fired for cause.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Exactly what I’m talking about. Everything done by the last guy was obviously done for a noble purpose and without any ulterior motives. It’s for “security”! Oh ok, liberals say.

The guy now does it for security too. as an ex-government employee (especially one having unhinged rants on Twitter and TV) doesn’t need it and it’s the right of the president to remove it.

Not accepted all. Can’t be for security too, its vindictive, malicious, petty, would probably be racist too. Brennan’s job now is to talk on TV nobody asking for his consultation.

Anything he learns with his clearance he shouldn’t talk about on TV anyway so what’s the harm to remove it? “Security”.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Black, it's one thing to remove some from security clearances due to ... uh ... security. That is what a healthily-functioning government would do. What a dysfunctional government does is to bend to the vindictive, capricious commands of its head of state. Where do you suppose we are now, and how do you suppose this will affect our future?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Was a good idea to remove clearances when the last guy wanted to do it. James Clapper was all for it, a Dem Senator too. Saved money and necessary to protect the nation and all.

https://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/government-security-clearance-list-100195

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

"Trump followers are not allowed to watch Hollywood movies, or they will be excommunicated as Liberal Outcasts."

Har!

"Trump followers are only allowed to watch Hannity and Alex Jones 24/7"

Nah, we can watch CNN and MSNBC if we want, but we're not masochists so we don't watch that crap.

To those who thumbs-downed my link to Mark Levin talking about Trump should pull more security clearances, ya'll didn't even bother to watch and learn something, did you? I challenge you to find one thing he said that isn't true.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

TV programs and Hollywood movies, many of which are advised by and even funded by the CIA.

Trump followers are not allowed to watch Hollywood movies, or they will be excommunicated as Liberal Outcasts. Trump followers are only allowed to watch Hannity and Alex Jones 24/7

5 ( +5 / -0 )

"It’s astounding how often you fail to live up to minimum standards of decency, civility, & probity. Seems like you will never understand what it means to be president, nor what it takes to be a good, decent, & honest person. So disheartening, so dangerous for our Nation," Brennan wrote.

Excellent stuff.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

You talk about blinding America when all US citizens are intentionally kept blind about the secret activities of the CIA and others. They want you to believe, and may believe themselves, that a massive secret organization and the deprivation of human rights and transparency are needed to keep people safe. This party line is promoted in countless TV programs and Hollywood movies, many of which are advised by and even funded by the CIA. You all worry about Russians when the biggest threat in right next to you, and you are paying for it.

So here we have it – Trump supporters beliefs boiled down to one paragraph. The FBI, the CIA, our intelligence organizations, our military, pretty much all of the US government are all conspiring against Donald Trump and his supporters. The Russians, they’re not the bad guys, they want to help us…  

So it’s all our organizations helping to protect us for foreign enemies bad. Russians good. It's clear Putin's influence operations have worked extremely well with this group.   

It’s not surprising these same people believe John F. Kennedy Jr is still alive and blogging from a secret basement in Washington DC, helping protect us from a left wing coup… 

You can see the level of intellect we’re dealing with here.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Oh my...

Levin: Trump should pull more security clearances

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68zXU5pI_FU

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

Commanteer, I might be naturally sympathetic with your sentiments were it not for my knowledge of the CIA and their main mission - which, as their name states, intelligence. Two caveats:

The CIA has been and can be misused to overstep its mission of gathering intelligence into influencing events, which should be prohibited;

The security apparatus in the US is overblown. It should be limited to the FBI for domestic law enforcement and the CIA for foreign intelligence gathering; the NSA and related intelligence should be abolished.

It might save money in the short term to abolish the CIA as well and base US foreign policy on what can be gleaned from the media (as poorer countries do), but in the medium term, it would likely be much more expensive. In fact, Trump's misuse of these agencies already shows; it's bad and will get worse. That is precisely what Brennar is warning about.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Nothing but a pathetic attempt at changing the subject from Trump's multiple scandals.

The Kremlin stooge in the Whitehouse is sure making himself some powerful enemies....

6 ( +6 / -0 )

I don’t like liberals, not because they’re liberals, but because of their policies are so radical and toxic and that they would do anything and everything to stay in power and to undermine any conservative ideas. But don’t worry, I’m not that thrilled with Republicans, too weak and will let anyone punch or push them around.

Then why do you insult and label with every post you make here?  Why don't you just say, as an individual, I disagree with your policies and views.  Why 'Lib"?  Why "Lackey"?, Why "Scum"?

That’s why I like Boeing.

????????

And she got fired and dropped right on her butt.-

After 15 years of tutorship and 2 years as a senior White House Aide.....

No, John Brennen.

He's not Orange - and its "Brennan" by the way....

Brennan has openly confirmed voting for a Communist Party candidate for president in 1976.

Quite true, and he admitted it truthfully in 1980 when he went to work for the CIA.  Compare that to Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, and George Papadopoulos who all lied under oath when asked that question by the FBI.  But let me give you a "what about" - In a 2012 interview with Fox News, Trump called Clinton a “terrific woman” and spoke highly of her work as secretary of state. When asked if he supported her, Trump said, “I don’t want to get into this because I’ll get myself in trouble.” He went on to say, “I just like her. I like her and I like her husband.”

So you’re saying terrorism is only regulated to certain countries and therefore doesn’t need to be shared.

Intel 101 - you share sensitive classified info with your friends and allies - you know, all those countries Trump has insulted.  You don't share classified info with your enemies; especially when they just attacked your democracy. Well, unless you colluded with them...

9 ( +9 / -0 )

It's about time this backstabber got his security clearance revoked. Look at that face - he looks pissed!

"Putin must be delighted. He's managed to seriously damage your country without firing a single weapon."

You're confusing Putin with the Democrats/liberals in our country.

Oh my!

Tucker: John Brennan is unhinged

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kzxf9TcJ_3k

-11 ( +1 / -12 )

 they put his mug on TV and ask him for his nutty comments. 

sorry were talking about Brennan or Hannity & friends

3 ( +4 / -1 )

So if you work for a bank and have left the bank should you have access code to the safe, if you were married and then divorced should you be able to have access to visit your spouse anytime and should you be allowed to keep the key?

In no way are they comparable. Not a great analogy, Bass.

Guys like Brennan, have invaluable insight into situations regarding national security. Funnily enough, it’s those critical of Trump who losing their clearance. Flynn, Jr, Manafort all lies about previous meeting, and you see that as a good thing.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

you're playing with fire and slowly more conservatives thankfully are now pushing back.

True, dat. I find myself being pushed back by the MAGA hats every time I step outside the door.

Americans are not powerless and not stupid, either. Trashing football players, calling women dogs whilst grabbing their genitals, making out that the press are the enemy, firing and banning critics...

There's only so much a people can take. Impeachment, coup, civil war... would have been ridiculed only a few short years ago. Now, I'm not so sure.

Putin must be delighted. He's managed to seriously damage your country without firing a single weapon.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Sorry, Laguna, but there is no need for a massive secret surveillance organization in any democracy society. It's counter-productive. I am sure many of the people you met were nice guys, but they weren't there to protect aid workers. In fact, they endangered men like your grandfather and the aid program itself by using AID as a cover.

You talk about blinding America when all US citizens are intentionally kept blind about the secret activities of the CIA and others.

They want you to believe, and may believe themselves, that a massive secret organization and the deprivation of human rights and transparency are needed to keep people safe. This party line is promoted in countless TV programs and Hollywood movies, many of which are advised by and even funded by the CIA. You all worry about Russians when the biggest threat in right next to you, and you are paying for it.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Anyway, we’re a capitalist nation and will stay like that that’s not gonna change for a number of reasons.

Not so sure about that. Your country is being taken apart, brick by brick. Whatever's left, it won't be the same. That's for sure. I'm hoping some kind of socialist replacement where, finally, the people come first but if you're too complacent, it could go down the totalitarian route.

Fingers crossed it's not the latter.

Youtube as well as watching heads explode on the liberal networks, the protests, screaming, whining, moaning, chasing people out of restaurants, threatening people with physical violence, destroying property, social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Google trying to silence people, dunno just a few things and Pepsi is bad, water and sugar.

I dunno, mate. Who's silencing you? You've basically got your own blog, right here. Every day of the week, stream of conciousness stuff, without ever having to address the issues of the day or respond to constructive criticism. A great gig, for sure.

I'm not going to big up the CIA anytime soon but can you not see what's going on with this ongoing situation? When the media is deemed the enemy of the people and critics have their clearance revoked? When children are put in prison camps and hush money is paid to mistresses, when lies have become normal and racism is on the rise?

6 ( +6 / -0 )

My grandfather worked for AID (now USAID) back in the 70s. Of course, his department was riddled with spooks, many of which he became friends with and some of whom I met. From the Philippines through Thailand down to Sri Lanka, he made sure American aid was spent responsibly, while those around him kept an eye on local conditions.

The FBI does the same thing domestically.

One might ask, why do Republicans so hate America? Because if you blind these eyes, America is blind. This might not matter to Trump, who makes things up as he goes along (how's that going?), but it does to the grunts who must do the heavy work of intelligence, foreign and domestic, and regaining that sight is not an easy task.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

People who support this former spook's claim of fighting for our rights are delusional, and should be ashamed of themselves. Secret state Brennan has devoted his life to building an authoritarian state that spies on, tortures and murders it's citizens. All well documented. He is the American version of the KGB or Stasi. Except the Russians and East Germans were never so naive as to think the KGB and Stasi were there to help them.

Say what you will about Trump, but taking sides with this petulant thug pretty much discredits any claims one might have toward caring about human rights.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

So let me see if I have got this right -- Fake President is unhappy with 1) unfounded and outrageous allegations (heavy irony); 2) wild outbursts on the internet and TV (really heavy irony); 3) the sowing of division and chaos (seriously heavy irony); and 4) erratic conduct and behavior (irony the likes of which the world has never seen) -- is that it?

Well, that seals it, then -- Trump's security clearance is hereby revoked! No, wait! -- surely he never received one in the first place!!

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Amen!

Inshallah!

or incredibly proud. No one is whining except the left and well, Brennan. Klapper, your next.

Will you be satisified when all Trump's critics are silenced? How far will the silencing go? Jail terms, journalists and other critics disappeared?

We do know that’s the problem.

Then why do you believe that wishy-washy, sitting-on-the-fence liberals are radical? Very odd. Liberals are about as radical as a pepsi ad.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I find it ironic that some are worried about communism, while at the same time applauding the most authoritarian behaviour we've seen in quite some time.

Of course, true communism (for the people and by the people) tends (like capitalism) to get hijacked by insecure and egotistical men who cannot stand criticism. And we all know how that pans out.

This really needs nipping in the bud. It's still not too late.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

This is a natural progression of the push to silence critics of the most corrupt and crazed PotUS that has stalked the earth.

For the life of me I just don’t understand how the left always can pedal that, everyone knows no one can silence these people. what the past cannot be silenced or any of the presidents enemies. However, the president has the power to block any former federal employee from accessing National classified information.

You couldn't make this stuff up.

Amen!

And still his supporters deflect, whine and pretend all of this is completely normal. I do thing that people wearing MAGA hats in Japan are either incredibly insecure or sending up insecure people.

or incredibly proud. No one is whining except the left and well, Brennan. Klapper, your next.

Yet more proof that some people don't know what a liberal is.

We do know that’s the problem.

America needs radical politics to shake it out of this corrupt stupor under the stewardship of Republicans/Democrats.

Thank God for Trump.

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

I don’t like liberals, not because they’re liberals, but because of their policies are so radical

Yet more proof that some people don't know what a liberal is.

Personally, I'm so-so when it comes to liberals but they're far from radical. If Brennan voted communist all that time ago - good on him.

America needs radical politics to shake it out of this corrupt stupor under the stewardship of Republicans/Democrats.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

The president should be armed to the hilt with the knowledge and experience of the best minds around.

But this?! By doing this, Trump's shooting himself (and the U.S.) in the foot. It's malpractice for a sitting U.S. president to put the country at risk because the president is too thin-skinned.

Whatever happened to the president-elect who said that he would surround himself with the best people? This was clearly a false statement.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

This is a natural progression of the push to silence critics of the most corrupt and crazed PotUS that has stalked the earth.

You couldn't make this stuff up.

And still his supporters deflect, whine and pretend all of this is completely normal. I do thing that people wearing MAGA hats in Japan are either incredibly insecure or sending up insecure people.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Says someone who labels those he disagrees with "Libs", Lackeys", and called the FBI and our Intel organizations "scum"......someone is lacking an irony gene.....

I don’t like liberals, not because they’re liberals, but because of their policies are so radical and toxic and that they would do anything and everything to stay in power and to undermine any conservative ideas. But don’t worry, I’m not that thrilled with Republicans, too weak and will let anyone punch or push them around.

Did you mean Chinese made, Russian operated?

That’s why I like Boeing.

Hey, don't discount your chances, he made Omorosa a senior White House Aide...

And she got fired and dropped right on her butt.

Uh, lets go back and review the first bullet above... And by Communist Supporter I assume you mean the Great Orange One -

No, John Brennen.

Brennan has openly confirmed voting for a Communist Party candidate for president in 1976.

you know, the one who pals around with Putin, who says he "respects him", and who gives sensitive classified information from the Israelis to the Russian Ambassador?

So you’re saying terrorism is only regulated to certain countries and therefore doesn’t need to be shared.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

No, you don’t speak for me, you don’t get to define me. I don’t support the crimes and lies of Brennan, that’s evident of my posts.

Says someone who labels those he disagrees with "Libs", Lackeys",  and called the FBI and our Intel organizations "scum"......someone is lacking an irony gene.....

Must be Chinese made. Lol

Did you mean Chinese made, Russian operated?

That has the chance of happening a me becoming POTUS.

Hey, don't discount your chances, he made Omorosa a senior White House Aide...

Seems like Brennan the former Communist supporter wants to (and not surprisingly) moan that he as an EX- Federal employee can’t access information for helping msnbc boost their ratings. Anyway, Brennen can go on and moan and groan, but without the security clearance.

Uh, lets go back and review the first bullet above... And by Communist Supporter I assume you mean the Great Orange One - you know, the one who pals around with Putin, who says he "respects him", and who gives sensitive classified information from the Israelis to the Russian Ambassador?

8 ( +9 / -1 )

So Democrats and crooked Republicans are manipulating our criminal justice system to send up Republicans on bogus charges and clear Democrats of legitimate charges?

The top echelon, Yup.

oh my the conspiracies....

Remember, they go both ways. Lol

-12 ( +1 / -13 )

bass: Corrupt Democrats and their establishment swamp Republican cop lackeys

So Democrats and crooked Republicans are manipulating our criminal justice system to send up Republicans on bogus charges and clear Democrats of legitimate charges?

Blacklabel: As far as why none of these people are on trial and haven’t been indicted, seems there is something going on as far as timing. 

Can you expand on this?

The majority of them have been criminally referred to prosecutors, don’t forget.

Well that’s good. I was worried you were going to hit me with some “Democrats and crooked Republicans” scheme. Sounds like the process is working,

7 ( +8 / -1 )

As far as why none of these people are on trial and haven’t been indicted, seems there is something going on as far as timing.

The majority of them have been criminally referred to prosecutors, don’t forget.

-12 ( +1 / -13 )

Trump isn’t “silencing his critics”. They are all still talking right now, even Comey just chimed in.

He is simply removing their access to classified information so that the people who are leaking the classified info to them are now committing felonies.

And for the 100th time a president cannot leak classified information. He can declassify anything he wants at any time for no reason.

-11 ( +1 / -12 )

Obama’s little Communist never should have had a security clearance to begin with.

-15 ( +0 / -15 )

But the part I don’t get is why all of your people are going on trial or jail? I’d like to hear your theories on that.

Corrupt Democrats and their establishment swamp Republican cop lackeys, but at least more of them are being relieved of their duties.

-13 ( +1 / -14 )

Superlib

I’ll answer that one for him... Deep State, conspiracy, pizzagate cover up and so on... gets a bit tiresome after a while.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Blacklabel: Or are you contributing to their gofundme accounts supporting that they all did nothing wrong?

But the part I don’t get is why all of your people are going on trial or jail? I’d like to hear your theories on that.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

@blacklb ow people freely leaking classified info

I agree. Classified material should never be leaked by anyone at any level, including the leaker-in-chief:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-revealed-highly-classified-information-to-russian-foreign-minister-and-ambassador/2017/05/15/530c172a-3960-11e7-9e48-c4f199710b69_story.html?utm_term=.0fdd479a9158

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Blacklabel

Trump silencing his critics, throw back to the Nixon era.... see how well that worked out.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Comey said he didn’t leak classified documents because his professor buddy had a classified clearance too that no one knew about. Conduit for Comey to get classified material to get to NY Times.

now people freely leaking classified info to Brennan as a conduit to CNN. Take away the middlemen in the media who have classified clearances, the classified info doesn’t appear in the media.

Good for National Security.

-13 ( +2 / -15 )

They are. Seeing it more and more everyday. Comey fired, McCabe fired, Strzok fired, good start. Or are you contributing to their gofundme accounts supporting that they all did nothing wrong?

They literally believe they are all out to get Trump by any means possible

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

Yes, and you support his crimes, excesses, and lies – that’s certainly evident in your posts

No, you don’t speak for me, you don’t get to define me. I don’t support the crimes and lies of Brennan, that’s evident of my posts.

Sorry but your Russian to English translator didn’t work very well on that one…

Must be Chinese made. Lol

2024 will be the start of the second term for President Warren

That has the chance of happening a me becoming POTUS.

Translation – he has the audacity to say unkind (but true) things about President Trump, so his clearance should be revoked,

Seems like Brennan the former Communist supporter wants to (and not surprisingly) moan that he as an EX- Federal employee can’t access information for helping msnbc boost their ratings. Anyway, Brennen can go on and moan and groan, but without the security clearance.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Bottom line. Trump revoked Brennan's security clearance because he doesn't like Brennan's criticisms of him. Not because of security concerns. Trump cares more about himself than anything else, including national security.

@Black

only reason to keep clearance after your job is over is if the current person wanted to consult with you. He doesn’t.

Good point. Trump would never want to get advice on national security from anybody but sycophants. I.e., Trump is cognitively and emotionally unfit for the seriousness of his office.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

The same people who falsely cried "CENSORSHIP!" last week when private companies involved in private business told a private contractor they wouldn't host his hate speech are curiously silent about the actual 1st amendment ramifications of POUTUS using the state's intelligence apparatus to punish people who pose no security threat for their private speech that he disapproves of.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Blacklabel: only reason to keep clearance after your job is over is if the current person wanted to consult with you. He doesn’t.

There’s no reason to restrict yourself and your options, especially if you don’t know where the next threat will pop up. Brennan was a good resource.

That’s to say Trump’s hurt feelings shouldn’t take priority over national security.

The comment section of Fox News is filled with Trump fans wanting everyone’s clearance revoked because they are convinced they are all Deep State. If they worked with Obama, they want them stripped of clearance, discredited, and silenced.

They literally believe they are all out to get Trump by any means possible.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

No, praise no one, but I most definitely support this president

Yes, and you support his crimes, excesses, and lies – that’s certainly evident in your posts

I would like to support a one-way ticket from all of us need to touch very boring here in the states, comedy would cease as we know it.

Sorry but your Russian to English translator didn’t work very well on that one…

In 2024 you may have your wish

2024 will be the start of the second term for President Warren

Again, John Brandon doesn’t need to have a security clearance and it was a good thing that it was revoked, he does smirched the entire department and they can no longer access to that classified info as an Ex-Federal employee and others will fall as well, but at least he can still get a check from MSNBC and slither back to his chair at the network, he will be allowed to speak as much as he wants to, although it might be difficult for the pundits to ask him more detailed information that’s classified, because he won’t have that anymore so he won’t be the go to guy, he might have a salary reduced.

Translation – he has the audacity to say unkind (but true) things about President Trump, so his clearance should be revoked, his taxes audited, his family investigated, and next time he should be called a dog….then comes the Novichuk…

3 ( +3 / -0 )

The guy shouldn’t have access to classified material while getting paid to trash Trump by CNN.

only reason to keep clearance after your job is over is if the current person wanted to consult with you. He doesn’t.

-13 ( +2 / -15 )

Trump is clearly unfit for office, or come to think of it, any other position with any company. With his dubious skills set he would be unemployable. That said, he will never make Nixon look like Washington!? Just ask the people of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos among the MILLIONS whose lives were terminated or ruined by executive orders from the White House. Trump is a disgrace, but he'll probably have less blood on his hands than many of his predecessors, if only because of his brief, let's hope, occupancy of the Oval Office.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

And who the heck cares? Ex-CIA chief means he doesnt work for the US Government any more and doesnt need some sort of clearance. 

Senior staff commonly retain their clearances to allow their successors to consult with them if need requires. It's just in the name of national security - something Trump seems to be actively undermining.

13 ( +13 / -0 )

And so it comes to this – posters praising autocratic and authoritarian excesses – even more sinister than the ones Nixon used to punish and silence his critics. No doubt if this step fails, Bass will recommend Novichok. 

No, praise no one, but I most definitely support this president

All these Trump supporters should take the first flight to Moscow (if they’re not already there…), where they can live out their authoritarian fantasies. Take Trump with you, so he can pal around with his master, and we can wash away the fifth that has stained the White House for the past two years. 

I would like to support a one-way ticket from all of us need to touch very boring here in the states, comedy would cease as we know it.

Trump excesses and crimes make Nixon look like George Washington, and I have no doubt that the end of Trump will be very similar to the end of Nixon…the sooner the better…

In 2024 you may have your wish

Again, John Brandon doesn’t need to have a security clearance and it was a good thing that it was revoked, he does smirched the entire department and they can no longer access to that classified info as an Ex-Federal employee and others will fall as well, but at least he can still get a check from MSNBC and slither back to his chair at the network, he will be allowed to speak as much as he wants to, although it might be difficult for the pundits to ask him more detailed information that’s classified, because he won’t have that anymore so he won’t be the go to guy, he might have a salary reduced.

-16 ( +0 / -16 )

A security clearance is a requirement for the position not for post-employment enrichment. Brennan has lied twice under oath to congress, and eventually it will come out that Brennan participated and contributed intelligence assets to the russian hoax!

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

He can, he just punches back....harder and I don’t blame him, that was one of my problems with Bush. The man just would never fight back the media or his critics and that was one reason they were allowed to define him, that Trump fights back for me is a breath of fresh air, the haters want his enemies to push on and get this President his supporters equally want the President to push on and fight his enemies.

And so it comes to this – posters praising autocratic and authoritarian excesses – even more sinister than the ones Nixon used to punish and silence his critics. No doubt if this step fails, Bass will recommend Novichok. 

All these Trump supporters should take the first flight to Moscow (if they’re not already there…), where they can live out their authoritarian fantasies. Take Trump with you, so he can pal around with his master, and we can wash away the fifth that has stained the White House for the past two years. 

Trump excesses and crimes make Nixon look like George Washington, and I have no doubt that the end of Trump will be very similar to the end of Nixon…the sooner the better…

16 ( +16 / -0 )

The cia does do bad things though, so birds of a feather...

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Obviously, he can't. Any normal, rational person would cop it on the chin and move on.....but not Donny, calls people dogs, questions people's IQ and attacks like a rabid dog when criticised....

That’s nonsense if somebody insults him and he insults some back doesn’t mean you can’t take it, it just means you’re not gonna put up with it. And you shouldn’t have to, when I walk around with my MAGA shirt or hat, usually people don’t say anything to me, but if they do, I’m not gonna take it and why should I? I’m allowed to express my views and opinions and the president equally so, it’s not about taking another it getting in someone’s face and putting them down and thinking they’re not going to retaliate. That’s complete nonsense.

-20 ( +0 / -20 )

He can, he just punches back....harder

Except for Russia.

16 ( +16 / -0 )

And who the heck cares? Ex-CIA chief means he doesnt work for the US Government any more and doesnt need some sort of clearance. The security clearance should be revoked of anyone not working for the US government or currently contracted to do so. Its not a complex concept because if you are not working for the US taxpayer, then you have no business needing clearance.

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

Bass

Obviously, he can't. Any normal, rational person would cop it on the chin and move on.....but not Donny, calls people dogs, questions people's IQ and attacks like a rabid dog when criticised....

19 ( +19 / -0 )

“I don’t like it at all," said Republican Senator Bob Corker, referring to Trump's decision. "It feels very much like a banana republic kind of thing.”

A banana republic with a global empire, proxy wars and nuclear weapons. Trump is so far out of his depth it's frightening.

18 ( +18 / -0 )

Yeah, but the orange one can't handle the criticism.... shows how much of a man baby he really is.

He can, he just punches back....harder and I don’t blame him, that was one of my problems with Bush. The man just would never fight back the media or his critics and that was one reason they were allowed to define him, that Trump fights back for me is a breath of fresh air, the haters want his enemies to push on and get this President his supporters equally want the President to push on and fight his enemies.

-24 ( +0 / -24 )

Trump certainly has the rarest talent for making enemies, but he'd better watch out slighting the likes of the thuggish Brennan, claptrap Clapper and other denizens of "the Deep State" whose rancor and malice could cost him dearly as the endgame nears. Like Macbeth and the moving forest, the Donald seems to be in a state of denial as his self-inflicted woes mount and the menacing forces of his vengeful ill-wishers inexorably gather strength and close in for the kill. The whole world will soon give a sigh of relief when this serial liar meets his moment of truth.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

He looks so grumpy.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Bass

No one said he can't criticize the President and he can continue to do so, minus as an "Ex-Federal" employee with access to highly sensitive security intel.

Yeah, but the orange one can't handle the criticism.... shows how much of a man baby he really is.

18 ( +18 / -0 )

So Trump got his feelings hurt and decided to lash out. He's probably feeling a bit helpless with the Mueller investigation and the Omarosa headlines and wanted to exercise some authority.

21 ( +22 / -1 )

In the interest of National Security, the sooner Trump and his cronies have their clearances revoked, the better for the U.S. and the free world.

If they try to undermine the future President in a methodical and divisive way to undermine him/her then it should be revoked.

Amen, Brother! Who does Brennan think he is? No one should be allowed to criticize the president.

No one said he can't criticize the President and he can continue to do so, minus as an "Ex-Federal" employee with access to highly sensitive security intel.

But I guess that's to be expected from a Twitter-warrior who's only tough hiding behind his account but can't even tell someone like Omarosa he had her fired.

Why should he, nothing wrong with him tweeting and nothing wrong with getting rid of someone that everyone hated in the WH. Brennan doesn't work for the government, doesn't need it, abused it, wasn't a good intelligence official to begin with, can't say anything about the President and collusion when he himself voted for the communist party in the past. Again, the guy is getting a nice check from msnbc, the left going on a tirade the President wants to silence him is absurd. At least now he won't be able to get confidential information meaning, he can't go inside and access any files, it will be much more difficult to do. Klapper should be next on the chopping block.

-22 ( +0 / -22 )

Get this idiot out of the White House.

17 ( +18 / -1 )

Trump elected by the people.

Brennan not!

As an ex-official he needs to write a book....

-21 ( +1 / -22 )

ummm it's this freedom of expression? Way too overreaction to criticism.

13 ( +13 / -0 )

Good move.

Amen, Brother! Who does Brennan think he is? No one should be allowed to criticize the president.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Good move.

Of course it won’t stop the man from talking, that was never the point, the old communist ca say whatever he wants, but what this does is a) block him from any sensitive and highly top secretive access to files on virtually everything and b) it's symbolic and highly embarrassing and demoralizing to a man of his stature and c) he doesn’t need it, he’s a paid contributor on msnbc making roughly about $500K or more they put his mug on TV and ask him for his nutty comments. Brennan will be fine, his ego though will be bruised though.

-28 ( +1 / -29 )

Brennan is ex-CIA Director. He'll get the info he wants regardless.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

In the interest of National Security, the sooner Trump and his cronies have their clearances revoked, the better for the U.S. and the free world.

16 ( +17 / -1 )

Witch hunt, huh?!

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Im sure this move has nothing to do with the Omarosa tapes, no no. :D

Petulant man-baby.

18 ( +19 / -1 )

"Mr. Brennan has recently leveraged his status as a former high-ranking official with access to highly sensitive information to make a series of unfounded and outrageous allegations – wild outbursts on the internet and television – about this administration,"

Pots and kettles.

15 ( +15 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites