Another former U.S. official has come out with a public letter in support of former CIA director John Brennan.
Retired US Navy Admiral and former Navy SEAL William McRaven released an op-ed in The Washington Post last week in which he called Brennan “one of the finest public servants,” and criticized President Trump for embarrassing the country.
The letter, titled “Revoke my security clearance, too, Mr. President,” served as an open letter addressed to President Trump, chastising him for revoking Brennan’s security clearance.
“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,” McRaven criticized the President.
In case you missed Admiral McRaven’s open letter. Here is a man of substance speaking to one lacking character. pic.twitter.com/NcYYIvdTwR
— Joe Navarro (@navarrotells) August 17, 2018
McRaven referred to Brennan as “a man of unparalleled integrity,” with unquestionable “honesty and character.”
“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,” he wrote.
He closed with a warning that said he and other opponents of the President will continue their criticisms “until you become the leader we prayed you would be.”
Brennan’s security clearance was revoked following an Aug. 15 announcement by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.
“Mr. Brennan’s lying and recent conduct, characterized by increasingly frenzied commentary, is wholly inconsistent with access to the nation’s most closely held secrets and facilitates the very aim of our adversaries, which is to sow division and chaos,” she said, reading the President’s statement.
Brennan has been a vocal critic of President Trump, using his platforms on Twitter, and networks NBC and MSNBC to speak out to large audiences. He called President Trump’s decision “part of a broader effort by Mr. Trump to suppress freedom of speech & punish critics,” Business Insider reported.
This action is part of a broader effort by Mr. Trump to suppress freedom of speech & punish critics. It should gravely worry all Americans, including intelligence professionals, about the cost of speaking out. My principles are worth far more than clearances. I will not relent. https://t.co/TNzOxhP9ux
— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) August 15, 2018
“It should gravely worry all Americans, including intelligence professionals, about the cost of speaking out,” Brennan said. “My principles are worth far more than clearances. I will not relent.”
McRaven led the Joint Special Operations Command and oversaw the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden. In 2014, he retired after 36 years of serving as a Navy SEAL.
McRaven’s letter follows the release of a joint letter by 13 former U.S. intelligence officials, in which they also supported Brennan and waged criticism against the President for revoking the security clearance.
