Oversight Republicans: White House Must Review Secretary John Kerry’s Security Clearance

Secretary Kerry’s potentially malicious acts to leak sensitive information about a U.S. ally undermines U.S. security

WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) and Oversight Republicans sent a letter to Ms. Dana Remus, Counsel to the President, raising serious concerns about the allegations Secretary John Kerry provided Iran with sensitive information during his time as Secretary of State and while President Trump was in office. The lawmakers are requesting an immediate review of Secretary Kerry’s security clearance and all documents and communications related to his access to classified information. 

“We are conducting oversight of Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry’s reported decision to provide potentially classified intelligence to Iran. Secretary Kerry allegedly not only provided Iran with sensitive information during his time as Secretary of State, but also while President Trump was in office in an apparent attempt to undermine his Administration,” wrote the lawmakers. “This raises serious concerns about Secretary Kerry’s fitness to serve in his current role with the National Security Council and whether these allegations should affect Secretary Kerry’s ability to maintain a security clearance.”

According to recent media reporting, Secretary Kerry leaked potentially highly sensitive intelligence about Israel, a U.S. ally, to Iran, a state sponsor of terror and enemy of the United States. On an audio tape recently leaked, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif claims Secretary Kerry informed him of “at least 200 times” that “Israel had attacked Iranian interests” in Syria.  It is unclear if the conversation between Secretary Kerry and Foreign Minister Zarif occurred before or after these strikes were publicly disclosed by Israel. 

In order to better understand what, if any steps, the White House has taken to review the allegations and ensure our nation’s security, Oversight Republicans call on the Administration to review Secretary Kerry’s security clearance and provide all information on his access to classified information. 

Read the full letter here.