In an effort to show that they take security seriously (even though they do not take security seriously), the Trump White House has searched out a sacrificial lamb who can be directed to the door. And they’ve found one in the form of someone who Once. Used. Pot.
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 over his past marijuana use.
Naturally, Banks would be a security threat if someone was to blackmail him over the idea that he once smoked pot. Only … nope, because that’s a stupid idea. Or because he might go into Reefer Madness at any point. Which is … probably something Jeff Sessions believes. Since the White House gets to set the requirements for security clearance, the Trump White House has decided to put any previous use of marijuana on the list of killer issues. Make that admitted use of marijuana. Because no would believe that Jared Kusher was bud-free.
Which makes for an interesting contrast: The Trump White House believes that previous use of marijuana is a disqualifying act, even when the applicant is upfront about the issue. On the other hand, spousal abuse is something that can be sent back to the FBI for more details, and more details, and more …
The administration has tried to crack down on the use of interim clearances in recent months. POLITICO reported Tuesday that the White House imposed a ban on new interim security clearances for anyone in the executive office of the president last fall, but let existing employees with interim clearances stay on.
Of the three dozen people still working in the White House on interim clearances, how many have already had reports sent from the FBI which the White House office has either sent back for more details, or where it has simply failed to act?
What didn’t happen with Banks? No one wrote glowing letters about how he had great honor and was a terrific person. The White House Personnel Office didn’t tell the FBI to go back and rethink. He used pot, and he’s gone. It’s a stark contrast with what happened with Rob Porter, where even after the intentional delays and obfuscation failed to hide the problem, the Trump team continued to draft soaring songs of support even after the whole story was public.
The Obama administration did turn away some applicants who had a past record of drug use—but only if they tried to cover it up. Because the Obama administration put value on honesty.
Donald Trump was actually pinned down enough long enough on Wednesday to say the words “I am totally opposed to domestic violence.” Which is … honestly, so damn sad that it had to be asked.
But it would be interesting to ask how many people had been denied clearance in this White House and for what causes. Because saying it is by far the easy part.