Tulsi Gabbard’s Surprise 2025 Election Move: Former Congresswoman Unveils Bold New Political Plan

Washington, D.C.—Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard has revoked the security clearances of 37 current and former U.S. intelligence officials, a stunning move that immediately sent shockwaves through Washington’s national-security establishment and ignited fierce partisan debate. Why Gabbard says she acted Gabbard, a former congresswoman, Army Reserve lieutenant colonel and 2024 vice-presidential candidate, announced the decision in a late-night memo, citing “the politicization of intelligence and repeated violations of classification protocols.” Her office argued that several of the individuals targeted—many of whom signed a 2020 public letter questioning the Hunter Biden laptop story—had “eroded public trust” and “weaponized their clearances for partisan gain.” Who lost their access The DNI did not publish the full list, but Capitol Hill sources confirmed that former CIA Director John Brennan, ex-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, and former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe are among those affected. At least nine current mid-level analysts have also been stripped of access, pending an internal review. Political backlash builds Democrats blasted the action as “an authoritarian purge,” with Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Mark Warner promising emergency hearings. Republicans largely applauded the revocations, echoing Gabbard’s claim that the intelligence community needs a “culture reset.” Speaker of the House Elise Stefanik called the clearance pullback “long overdue accountability.” Legal questions ahead National-security lawyers note that the DNI has broad authority to suspend or terminate clearances, but the unprecedented scope could invite litigation. “Cleared individuals still have due-process rights,” said former government security-lawyer Bradley Moss. Several former officials are reportedly preparing appeals through the Intelligence Community’s review panel. Impact on intelligence operations Critics worry the decision could chill dissenting analysis or prompt an exodus of veteran talent before the 2026 budget cycle. Supporters argue it will deter leaks and restore confidence among rank-and-file analysts who felt senior leaders held double standards. What happens next • House and Senate intelligence panels are expected to subpoena Gabbard for public testimony as soon as next week. • The Office of the Director of National Intelligence will issue updated guidelines on political activity for clearance holders by September 1. • Former officials affected have 45 days to request written justification and file appeals. Bottom line Tulsi Gabbard’s sweeping revocation of 37 security clearances marks one of the most consequential—and controversial—exercises of DNI authority in decades. The clash between calls for accountability and concerns over politicization will dominate Washington’s national-security conversation in the weeks ahead, ensuring that “Tulsi Gabbard” and “security clearance controversy” remain high-traffic search terms for the foreseeable future.