Ron Johnson: Pulling Security Clearances Shouldn't Be 'Routine'

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said Sunday he’s got no problem with President Donald Trump’s revocation of ex-CIA chief John Brennan’s security clearance — but doesn’t want the practice to become “routine.”

In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” the chairman of the Senate’s Homeland Security Committee Johnson said Brennan “really did cross the line. He’s one of the leaders of the resistance movement. I understand why President Trump is pretty frustrated."

But Johnson insisted: “I don't want to see this become routine. “

“I don't want to see it be politicized and the reason you don't want to pull security clearance is… being able to provide access to those individuals you want to consult with,” he said.

“The best way handling this is if you don't have confidence in former CIA officials or other government officials that you will not be consulting with, just don't give them access,” he said. “You gain access when you have a need to know. If you’re not going to be consulted you don’t have a need to know."

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