
President Donald Trump has taken decisive action by revoking the security clearances of former National Security Advisor John Bolton, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, and former CIA Director John Brennan. The executive order, signed shortly after his return to the White House, is part of his broader effort to remove Deep State operatives who have targeted his administration and persecuted conservatives.
The executive order highlights Bolton’s controversial 2019 memoir, which Trump’s team asserts contained classified information that should have remained confidential. The book, they argue, damaged national security and undermined trust between the president and his advisors, making Bolton’s continued access to classified information a serious risk.
Trump’s move has been praised by conservatives who see it as a necessary step to prevent further leaks and political interference. Supporters argue that these former officials have misused their positions to promote partisan agendas and spread misinformation, particularly in efforts to undermine Trump’s presidency.
This is one of the best moves ever. I’m thrilled that Clapper and Bolton have had the security clearances revoked. They should have been revoked years ago. When someone no longer works in a position that requires clearance, their clearance should be revoked automatically. https://t.co/lf3NVOx0wx
— Bradley Lee (@Brad31828) January 22, 2025
The order also revokes the clearances of 50 other former intelligence officials, including those who signed the 2020 letter claiming Hunter Biden’s laptop was Russian disinformation. These officials, many of whom served in top positions under previous administrations, have been accused of misleading the public to influence elections and policy decisions.
Vindman, Brennan, Clapper, Comey, McCabe, Weissman and Stroek was one of the most destructive people to ever hold office.
At least now like Bolton his TS+ security clearance will end – and any security Biden provided will also end.
Vindman is now rightly impotent.
— BTR (@BTR795614867149) January 22, 2025
Good morning, patriots. I know there is still much winning ahead, and today is going to be another long day, but pause for just a moment to bask in the glow and remember this: John Bolton, John Brennan, & James Clapper do not have security clearances any longer. What a great day! pic.twitter.com/BN2k9oEMam
— Attas (@TxRecon1) January 21, 2025
Bolton responded to the decision by expressing disappointment and confirming that his Secret Service protection had also been withdrawn. He alleged that the move was politically motivated, though the Trump administration maintains that it is solely about national security.
Trump didn’t just nuke the security clearances of every corrupt intel agent who signed the fraudulent Hunter Biden laptop letter.
He also specifically eliminated John Bolton’s security clearance. pic.twitter.com/fBo7hfezgq
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) January 21, 2025
Jim Clapper, Leon Panetta, John Brennan and John Bolton among the 51 Intelligence Community members whom @POTUS stripped of any federal security clearance with this EO:https://t.co/7oevreJujl
— Dr. Tony Gray (@huded) January 21, 2025
The Spies Who lied.
⛔️ Denied ⛔️Security Clearance of the 51 National Security Officials Has been Pulled.
🚫You are Revoked🚫Also Included
🚫James Clapper Jr.
🚫Michael Hayden,
🚫John Brennan,
🚫Leon Panetta,
🚫John Bolton. https://t.co/jeDJsIu3mQ #FoxNews— Jim DaBink (@JimDaBink) January 21, 2025
Trump’s latest actions are part of a sweeping effort to restore trust in federal agencies and protect classified information from those who no longer serve the country. Additional executive orders signed on his first day include measures to enhance border security and reduce bureaucratic red tape.