Breaking news this afternoon as we’re learning that an official member of the White House’s National Economic Council has resigned. The official, George David Banks, cited his lack of a permanent security clearance as the reason for his leaving.
George David Banks, who had served since February 2017 as special assistant to the president for international energy and environmental policy, told POLITICO that he was informed by the White House counsel’s office Tuesday that his application for a permanent clearance would not be granted.
#BREAKING: Third White House official resigns after being told he wouldn’t qualify for full clearance https://t.co/jUdHrjAQOX pic.twitter.com/I6HFLxYbHi
— POLITICO (@politico) February 14, 2018
This is really bad. There are dozens of staffers within the White House working without permanent security clearance. This interim status makes it harder for them to do their job, and provides a big mental weight when it comes to contemplating their next career move.
The Trump White House needs to get their act together when it comes to security clearances. This whole issue was set off by the resignation of former Staff Secretary Rob Porter, who was working with a temporary clearance. It’s suspected that the temporary clearance was given because of Porter’s past abuse committed against two ex-wives. This delayed security status flub now has White House Chief of Staff John Kelly under fire.
The lack of permanent security clearances given is reflective of chaos reigning within the White House. You can’t have a professional administration if the key players aren’t given the tools to do their jobs to the utmost effectiveness.
President Trump needs to put out the call to professionalize the staff and get them up to speed immediately. No more messing around. Democrats are only going to use resignations like this to show voters that we need a new president in charge.
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