DOD Records of Security Clearance Revocations and Suspensions During Early Months of the Trump and Biden Administrations 

Records received from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency in response to American Oversight’s request for records identifying the number and level of security clearances that have been revoked or suspended since President Donald Trump’s second term began on Jan. 20, 2025. Our request also sought the release of any communications or guidance related to the revocations and suspensions, as well as records to identify how many individuals were notified that their security clearances could be revoked or suspended.

The records show that 281 total security clearances were revoked between Jan. 20 and March 24, and 95 were suspended during that period. The revoked clearances included 133 with no clearance level, 37 that were labeled “secret,” 96 ranked “top secret,” and 15 that were classified as “SCI-ICD704” for personnel with access to sensitive compartmented information. The suspensions applied to 19 individuals with no clearance level, 41 with “secret” clearance, one “top secret” designee, and 34 classified as “SCI-ICD704.”

We also requested records showing the number of security clearances that had been revoked or suspended during the first month of the Biden administration. These documents show that 133 security clearances were revoked between Jan. 20 and Feb. 20, 2021, including 111 with no clearance level, 14 labeled “secret,” four that were “top secret,” and four classified as “SCI-ICD704.” One SCI-ICD704-level clearance was suspended during that time.

The records did not include any formal or informal guidance, recommendations, communications, talking points, or directives related to security clearance revocation or suspension policies.