The White House is readying formal documents to rescind the security clearances of other former and current government officials, according to a new report. The drafts come in the wake of the revocation of former CIA Director John Brennan’s clearance earlier this week.
According to a report in the Washington Post, the clearances are those of individuals who have been critical of the president or are playing a role in the Russia investigation.
A senior White House official told the Post that White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders and deputy chief of staff Bill Shine have discussed the most optimal time to pull the security clearances, reportedly planning their release as a distraction during other unfavorable news.
Access to the nation’s classified information, which is granted to personnel in certain positions after they pass a thorough background check, is often allowed even after individuals leave government service so they may consult with current officials.
Trump’s move caused a wave of backlash from intelligence officials, including from 60 former CIA officials who signed a letter condemning the move, among others.
[More: John Brennan ready to take legal action to stop Trump from revoking other security clearances]
