slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Navy SEAL who oversaw the Osama bin Laden raid rebukes Trump in stunning opinion column

David Choi, Business Insider

Retired US Navy admiral William McRaven, a former US Navy SEAL who oversaw the raid that took out al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in 2011, delivered a stunning rebuke of President Donald Trump.

McRaven said he would "consider it an honor" if Trump revoked his security clearance, following his decision to revoke former CIA director John Brennan's security clearance.

In an opinion column published by The Washington Post on Thursday, retired US Navy admiral William McRaven, a former US Navy SEAL and commander of the US Joint Special Operations Command, described Brennan as "one of the finest public servants."

"He is a man of unparalleled integrity, whose honesty and character have never been in question, except by those who don't know him."

On Wednesday, the White House announced it would revoke Brennan's security clearance, citing his "erratic conduct and behavior," and questioning his "objectivity and credibility."

"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," the White House's statement said.

Brennan, who had been critical of the Trump administration prior to the White House's decision, said that the move was "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," Brennan said on Twitter. "My principles are worth far more than clearances. I will not relent."

McRaven appeared to concur with Brennan in his brief, but critical, column.

"Therefore, 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," McRaven wrote.

McRaven continued by describing the qualities of a good leader; characteristics he said he "hoped" that Trump would embody after becoming president.

"A good leader sets the example for others to follow," McRaven said. "A good leader always puts the welfare of others before himself or herself."

"Your leadership, however, has shown little of these qualities," McRaven said. "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 retired from the Navy in 2014 after 36 years of service as a Navy SEAL. He was hired as chancellor of the University of Texas' school system in 2015. In 2017, McRaven announced he would leave the school, citing health concerns.

https://www.businessinsider.com/navy-seal-william-mcraven-trump-security-clearance-2018-8

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

Everybody is entitled to their opinion......and it seems lately no one is shy about sharing their opinion of our President. Especially if that opinion is negative....the media eats it up. I wonder how many of our retired and active duty support our President, but their stories are buried.

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

I guess he has the right to say stuff...and I have the right to ignore 'im.

Wolf counselor Loc: Heart of Texas

I would be inclined to agree that Trump is not a role model.

Nor do I believe he is the example of leadership when viewed through the eyes of a ranking Navy seal.

Mr Brennan is without a doubt, a very fine example of leadership and is a superb role model.

Trump is perpetually bombarded by unwarranted criticism from all directions.

So I don't think his concern is centered on Brennan's criticisms.

I don't see how Trump yanking Brennan's security clearance constitutes an intent to stifle the man's right to speak freely.

Brennan is free to say what he pleases, whenever he pleases and as often as he pleases.

As long as he's not leaking classified information, no one is stopping him from voicing his opinion.

I would be compelled to infer that Trump may very well be perturbed by Brennan's comments, but I don't believe that is the sole reason for revoking his security clearance.

nwtk2007 Loc: Texas

Considering that trumps approval is nearly 50%, one would think at least have the comments about Trump would be positive. Biased press.

JFlorio Loc: Seminole Florida

I respect the Admirals service but disagree. First IMO none should retire with top secret clearance. Secondly by the CIs own rules Brennan should lose his clearance

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

If he retired more than 2 years ago, he no longer has a clearance or on the date reinvestigation is scheduled, whichever comes first. There is a good reason for this, especially at the top layer, their replacement may need information that only the retiree can provide. But, after 2 years any information they may have would be OBE.

Bad Bob Loc: Virginia

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

You are right. After all, this is still America.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I'm fairly certain Admiral McRaven has never been a member of the press.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Little to no disagreement from me on these comments.

bggamers Loc: georgia

I dont understand if these people are no longer working in the goverment their security clearance was not removed at the time they left their job ?????????????????? whats the big deal apparently Hillary still has hers WHY?????

Betta

The sole reason his clearance was and should have been revoked is that he is no longer working for our government. He was fired and has no right to a security clearance. Another reason is that he's a leaker. His clearance should have been snatched the moment he was fired. He's pissed because he no longer has access to material that he could leak to his current boss, the media.

vernon

This is insubordination and i question his ability to command.Now don't throw Osama in my face.This guy is nothing more than a politician.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I don't recall Mr. Brennan ever being fired. Instead, he left his former positions due to t***sitional changes of administration.