We’ve seen a stunning show of bravery this week from our nation’s top retired and former security officials. And we’re seeing an equally stunning silence from Congress.
First came brave entreaties for presidential leadership from former CIA Director John Brennan, who for his trouble had his security clearance yanked Wednesday by the president. The White House first attributed the slap to Brennan’s “erratic” behavior, but Trump in an interview volunteered that he took the action, in part, because of Brennan’s early role in the Russia inquiry. Trump said “these people (he has a list awaiting clearance cancellations)” led the “rigged witch hunt, so I think it’s something that had to be done.”
Hours later, retired Adm. William McRaven, who oversaw the 2011 Navy SEAL raid in Pakistan that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, sent the president an open letter by way of a Thursday morning op-ed in The Washington Post.
McRaven’s scalding letter praises Brennan’s “unparalleled integrity” and says in part: “I would consider it an honor if you would revoke my security clearance as well, so I can add my name to the list of men and women who have spoken up against your presidency. Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation. If you think for a moment that your McCarthy-era tactics will suppress the voices of criticism, you are sadly mistaken. The criticism will continue until you become the leader we prayed you would be.”
Later Thursday, 13 former CIA directors and deputy directors released a similar statement, denouncing Trump’s action as having “nothing to do with who should and should not hold security clearances – and everything to do with an attempt to stifle free speech.”