Trump admin’s ‘cruelty only matched by its incompetence’: Ex-CIA officer

Personnel Changes and Security Clearances - The Director of National Intelligence is cutting her office's staff by 40%, citing bloat and inefficiency [1] - Dozens of current and former national security officials had their security clearances revoked [1] - Critics allege the revocations are political retaliation from the President [2] Allegations and Rebuttals - The Director of National Intelligence claims those who had clearances revoked manipulated or leaked classified intelligence [3] - A former CIA officer denies the allegations, stating he had no access to classified information when he criticized the President [4][5] - The former CIA officer describes the revocations as an "indiscriminate drive by shooting" [2][5] Impact on Intelligence Community - The revocations send a chilling signal to those who might speak out against the administration [10] - There are concerns that these actions will discourage intelligence officials from speaking truth to power [11] - The administration is accused of weaponizing the federal government against those who speak up [14] National Security Implications - The government needs smart and dedicated people serving in a nonpartisan way [12] - The administration's actions are seen as dangerous for national security [14]