NBC News: Jared Kushner’s Security Clearance

Jared Kushner is the president’s son-in-law whose work experience was in his family’s real estate development firm. Financial difficulties, complicated personal relationships and unexplained foreign contacts can present obstacles for obtaining a top-secret security clearance, and Kushner had to revise his application numerous times. Two career specialists raised concerns about potential foreign influence, but a Trump appointee overruled them, reports NBC News. “Kushner's was one of at least 30 cases in which Kline overruled career security experts and approved a top secret clearance for incoming Trump officials despite unfavorable information, the two sources said.” Kushner sought the highest designation for “sensitive compartmentalized information,” granted by the CIA. “That material makes up the government's most sensitive secrets, including transcripts of intercepted foreign communications, CIA source reporting and other intelligence.” The president can also overrule and provide clearances. Previous reports pointed out officials of four nations had discussed ways to manipulate inexperienced Trump personnel. Donald Trump’s presidential campaign is under investigation for connections with Russia operatives meddling in the 2016 election. Congressional committees are investigating the security clearance procedures in the Trump administration. – YaleGlobal