
President Donald Trump has taken action to revoke 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 on Trump’s first day in office, aims to eliminate the influence of Deep State operatives who have undermined his America First agenda and targeted conservatives.
The executive order cites Bolton’s 2019 memoir as a clear example of misuse of classified information for personal gain. Trump’s administration argues that the book contained sensitive details that could harm national security and erode trust in government advisors. Officials say Bolton’s actions reflect a larger pattern of politically motivated leaks by former intelligence officials.
Conservatives have welcomed Trump’s decisive action, seeing it as a necessary step to prevent further damage from officials who no longer serve the nation’s interests. Supporters argue that the intelligence community has been weaponized against Trump and his allies, using access to classified information to push false narratives and political attacks.
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 They should have been revoked years ago.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 targets 50 other former intelligence officials who publicly dismissed Hunter Biden’s laptop scandal in 2020, labeling it as Russian disinformation. Among them are high-profile figures who held key roles in intelligence operations under previous administrations. The Trump administration contends that these officials misled the public to influence the election.
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, in response, expressed disappointment over the decision and confirmed that his Secret Service protection had been withdrawn. However, Trump defended the move, stating that those no longer in government should not retain access to sensitive materials.
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 first day in office has seen a wave of executive actions aimed at restoring national security and transparency. Other measures signed include orders to boost domestic energy production and eliminate regulations hindering economic growth.