Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) strongly criticized former President Donald Trump’s decision to revoke President Joe Biden’s security clearance, calling it an act of “retribution” that is “unworthy of a president.” Blumenthal expressed his frustration, stating that Trump is using security clearances as a tool for political revenge, targeting adversaries and figures like Gen. Mark Milley.
Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he was revoking Biden’s security clearances and halting his intelligence briefings, claiming there was no need for Biden to receive classified information. Blumenthal, however, expanded his critique during an appearance on CNN’s “The Situation Room,” linking Trump’s actions to billionaire Elon Musk’s alleged influence over the U.S. government through the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.
Blumenthal referenced a report involving a U.S. attorney who promised Musk that individuals he referred to the Department of Justice would be investigated. He accused Musk of being at the center of a major public corruption scandal, alleging that Musk has stolen information, influenced agencies awarding contracts to his companies (SpaceX, Starlink, and Tesla), and manipulated regulations benefiting his businesses.
Blumenthal emphasized the need to investigate Musk’s activities, particularly his interactions with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He revealed that his subcommittee on investigations has already sent letters to Musk’s companies, seeking details about their handling of information and the extent of Musk’s control.
The senator concluded by reiterating his condemnation of Trump’s retaliatory actions, stressing that such behavior has no place in the U.S. government.
