The article discusses how, despite facing multiple criminal prosecutions and civil judgments amounting to over half a billion dollars, private citizen Donald Trump would not pass a standard security clearance process due to various factors such as criminal conduct, financial considerations, and personal behavior. However, if Trump were to win the November presidential election, he would immediately regain access to classified information. While a normal applicant for access would be denied clearance, a president has lawful access to all sensitive information regardless of their personal background. Trump’s lack of interest in abiding by operational security standards has been evident throughout his presidency, with instances such as revealing classified information during meetings and posting sensitive photos on social media.
Trump’s previous issues, such as multiple bankruptcies, business dealings with questionable entities, and careless handling of classified information, would have made it difficult for him to obtain a security clearance in 2016. Despite his controversial behavior and numerous red flags, Trump, as president, would have unrestricted access to classified information. The article highlights that experts believe giving Trump access to secret material today, with multiple active criminal prosecutions and severe financial issues, would pose an even greater risk. Trump’s associates have been involved in dubious foreign connections, exacerbating concerns over his eligibility for security clearance.
The article also mentions that Trump’s apparent decline in mental health, including symptoms of malignant narcissism and potential dementia, would raise additional concerns and likely be disqualifying for a traditional security clearance applicant. Despite demands for cognitive screening, Trump’s campaign has not commented on the factors that could prevent him from obtaining clearance. After Trump’s failed attempt to overturn the 2020 election and the Capitol riot incited by his supporters, President Joe Biden declined to grant Trump a security clearance. The traditional courtesy of offering intelligence briefings to major party nominees has also been denied to Trump, given the issues surrounding his presidency and post-election conduct.
The future of Trump’s security clearance will be a pressing issue after the Republican Party adopts him as their official nominee, with concerns raised over his ability to access classified information should he become president again. His ongoing criminal cases, including charges related to actions leading up to January 6th and hush money payments, pose a significant legal threat. In 2023, a New York jury found Trump civilly liable for sexual abuse, with the federal judge stating that his actions constituted rape. The article concludes that Trump’s presidency would pose a severe national security threat, given his legal troubles and potential mental health issues.
