Intel board chairman wants security clearances revoked, spies fired over Russiagate and other abuses
Devin Nunes' Claims on Intelligence Misconduct and Security Clearances
Devin Nunes, former House Intelligence Committee Chairman and current head of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB), has made bold assertions about misconduct by intelligence and law enforcement officials involved in investigations targeting Donald Trump over the past decade. In an interview with Just the News on July 24, 2025, Nunes described these actions as a "grand conspiracy" and referenced a dozen criminal referrals made during his tenure as House Intelligence Committee Chairman. His comments, combined with the recent declassification of documents by DNI Tulsi Gabbard and developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case, underscore a broader narrative of accountability for alleged abuses of power. However, the feasibility of prosecutions and the implications of revoking security clearances raise complex legal and ethical questions.
Nunes’ claims center on the so-called "Russia hoax," particularly the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) that alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election to favor Trump. The Gabbard report, as detailed by analysts like Matt Taibbi and Margot Cleveland, revealed that the ICA relied on flimsy evidence, including the discredited Steele Dossier, and was manipulated by then-CIA Director John Brennan to push a predetermined narrative, despite objections from CIA analysts. Nunes, who tasked Kash Patel with investigating these claims, argues that this constitutes a conspiracy involving high-ranking officials. His criminal referrals, made during his time as chairman, likely targeted figures involved in the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation, which he and Patel exposed for relying on unverified information to surveil Trump associate Carter Page.
The Epstein case adds another layer of intrigue, with Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel navigating demands for transparency. Bondi’s February 2025 letter to Patel, requesting the "full and complete Epstein files," revealed discrepancies in the FBI’s handling of documents, fueling speculation about withheld evidence. The recent DOJ interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, described as a "data download" from a key witness, has heightened concerns among Democrats about potential revelations implicating powerful figures. Nunes’ focus on stripping security clearances aligns with his broader goal of purging agencies of officials he believes abused their authority, particularly those tied to the Russia investigation or other perceived anti-Trump efforts.
While Nunes leaves prosecution decisions to Patel and Bondi, citing potential statute of limitations issues, his emphasis on security clearances and job terminations reflects a practical approach to immediate accountability. Revoking clearances could sideline officials without requiring criminal convictions, though it risks accusations of politicization. The challenge lies in balancing legitimate oversight with the appearance of retribution, especially given Patel’s controversial "enemies list" from his book Government Gangsters, which names over 50 officials as "deep state" actors. Critics argue this list fuels fears of targeted harassment, while supporters like Nunes see it as a necessary step to restore trust in intelligence agencies.
Alleged Conspiracy: Nunes claims a "grand conspiracy" by intelligence and law enforcement officials, supported by the Gabbard report’s evidence of manipulated intelligence in the 2017 ICA.
Criminal Referrals: Nunes referenced a dozen referrals made during his House Intelligence Committee tenure, targeting officials involved in the Trump-Russia probe, though prosecutions may be limited by statutes of limitations.
Security Clearances: As PIAB chairman, Nunes prioritizes revoking clearances of officials linked to the "Russia hoax," aiming to remove them from sensitive roles without relying on criminal convictions.
Epstein Files: Bondi’s push for Epstein documents and Maxwell’s DOJ interview suggest ongoing efforts to uncover hidden truths, potentially implicating figures across the political spectrum.
Retribution Concerns: Patel’s "enemies list" and Nunes’ aggressive stance raise fears of politicized purges, though supporters argue these measures are essential to combat entrenched corruption.
Nunes’ assertions, backed by declassified evidence and ongoing investigations, signal a determined push for accountability. However, the line between justice and vengeance remains thin, and the outcomes will depend on Patel and Bondi’s ability to navigate legal constraints and public scrutiny.
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