Staff Reports
GOP lawmakers are calling for a senior official at the FBI to testify in private about the bureau’s handling of security clearances for whistleblowers. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan sent a letter asking for transcribed testimony from the official, who was involved in important decisions about security clearances at the FBI. The official is part of the FBI’s security division, which investigates allegations against FBI employees that may lead to the suspension or revocation of their security clearance.
Recent disclosures from FBI whistleblowers have raised concerns about the official’s handling of security clearance adjudications for FBI employees, including Staff Operations Specialist Marcus Allen and Special Agent Garret O’Boyle. The whistleblowers have testified about their experiences and how the FBI retaliates against employees who speak out. Additionally, an FBI whistleblower notified Congress that they were removed from their job in retaliation for defending Mr. O’Boyle.
GOP lawmakers call on FBI official to testify on alleged misuse of revoking security clearanceshttps://t.co/HO8uHttsDN pic.twitter.com/cCe1a53wUS
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 31, 2024
The whistleblowers’ security clearances were suspended based on allegations of leaking information and having conspiratorial views. However, there are concerns about the lack of due process in the investigations. The whistleblower disclosures indicate that the official in question allowed the suspension and revocation of security clearances without sufficient due process for the employees.
It has also been reported that senior officials within the FBI disagreed about the handling of certain security clearances, indicating internal concerns about the process. The House Judiciary Committee and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government are seeking to uncover the details surrounding these security clearance issues and the treatment of whistleblowers within the FBI.
The committee has previously interviewed former FBI officials about these matters and is continuing to investigate the handling of security clearances at the bureau. The FBI has not responded to requests for comment on these issues.
