CIA book left open on Brennan chapter in protest against Trump
In an apparent protest against US President Donald Trump’s recent attack on former CIA Director John Brennan, a book in display at the agency headquarters was left open on the chapter about former spy master.
The chapter discussing Brennan's tenure under former President Barrack Obama had been opened by an anonymous agency employee.
Trump announced last week that he has decided to strip Brennan of his security clearance.
The announcement has been faced with criticism from top former intel officials.
Joint statement from William Webster, Hayden, Panetta, Petraeus, Clapper, John McLaughlin, Mike Morell — in total 12 former directors and deputy directors of the CIA and a former DNI — criticizing Trump for revoking Brennan's clearance. pic.twitter.com/YK60dOOxzW
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) August 17, 2018
Twelve former top US intelligence officials condemned the decision, declaring that "security clearances should be based on national security concerns and not political views."
"Insinuations and allegations of wrongdoing on the part of Brennan while in office are baseless," the officials said Thursday. "We all agree that the president's action regarding John Brennan and the threats of similar action against other former officials has nothing to do with who should and should not hold security clearances."
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. https://t.co/TNzOxhP9ux
— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) August 15, 2018
Trump and the White House say the decision is not political and has been made since Brennan and other former officials have profited off their security clearances.
“Mr. Brennan’s lying and recent conduct characterized by increasingly frenzied commentary is wholly inconsistent with access to the nation’s most closely held secrets and facilities, the very aim of our adversaries, which is to sow division and chaos,” Trump said in a statement.
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