Gabbard revokes clearances, hinders Brennan probe
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced on Aug. 19 that she revoked security clearances for 37 current and former intelligence professionals. Four Trump administration officials tell Axios that the action removed or chilled nearly a dozen witnesses DOJ had planned to call in its criminal investigation of former CIA director John Brennan — complicating prosecutors' ability to discuss classified material and potentially undermining witness credibility. DOJ prosecutor David Metcalf reportedly warned the revocations create 'a major complication' for the case.
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"Own goal": How Gabbard damaged the Trump admin's probe into ex-spy chief
New information:
- Tulsi Gabbard announced revocation of 37 security clearances on Aug. 19, 2025.
- Nearly a dozen of those revoked were reportedly on the DOJ witness list in the Brennan criminal probe.
- DOJ prosecutor David Metcalf told an administration official the move 'is going to make it really difficult to prosecute now,' according to Axios sources.