President Donald Trump has revoked the security clearance of John Bolton along with those of several former intelligence officials, including James Clapper and John Brennan. The executive order is part of Trump’s broader effort to sideline Deep State operatives who have actively worked against his administration and targeted conservative Americans.
The order states that Bolton’s 2019 memoir, which contained sensitive information from his time in the Trump administration, compromised national security and violated the trust necessary for top advisory roles. Trump’s team argues that Bolton’s actions reflect a pattern of former officials using classified information for personal and political gain.
Supporters of the move have applauded Trump’s firm stance, arguing that these individuals should no longer have access to sensitive government information. Many conservatives believe that intelligence officials abused their positions to undermine Trump’s policies and fuel anti-Trump rhetoric during key political moments.
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 They should have been revoked years ago.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 executive order also impacts 50 other former intelligence officials who publicly dismissed the Hunter Biden laptop story as disinformation in 2020. Their involvement in pushing misleading narratives, according to Trump’s administration, further justified their removal from security access.
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 with criticism, calling it a politically motivated action. He also revealed that his Secret Service protection had been terminated following the clearance revocation. Trump, however, remains firm in his position that national security must take precedence over political grievances.
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 back in office saw numerous executive actions aimed at reasserting control over federal agencies and cutting through bureaucratic red tape. Additional measures focused on reducing government overreach and prioritizing energy independence.
