President Trump’s revocation of former CIA Director John Brennan’s security clearance is another example of the president signaling his willingness to “punish” opponents, according to fired FBI Director James Comey.
“Once against this president is sending a message that he will punish people who disagree with him and reward those who praise him,” Comey wrote on Twitter, declining to use Trump’s name. “In a democracy, security clearances should not be used as pawns in a petty political game to distract voters from even bigger problems.”
— James Comey (@Comey) August 16, 2018
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders announced Wednesday that Trump had pulled Brennan’s clearance because his “erratic behavior” should disqualify him from having access to sensitive information.
[More: Senate GOP mixed on revoking Brennan’s security clearance]
The development follows the administration naming in July a number of former intelligence and law enforcement officials whose clearances had come under review after they had spoken out about the president. Comey was included in the list, despite not having a clearance since his dismissal from the FBI in May 2017.
Comey headed the FBI as it conducted its investigation into possible links between the Trump campaign and Russia. His abrupt exit from the bureau prompted the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller, who took over the federal probe.
Comey called on voters Wednesday to stay informed, urging them to hold lawmakers “enabling” Trump accountable.
“American voters must not shrug off or be distracted from the terrible behaviors of this president, who lies to the American people every day, encourages racism, is a misogynist, and always puts his own interests above those of the United States of America,” he continued.
