Would Donald Trump Have Secured Top Secret Clearance if Not for His Presidency?

The path to acquiring a top secret clearance is fraught with stringent requirements, designed to ensure only the most trustworthy individuals are granted such elevated access. This article explores whether Donald Trump, given his past, could have secured a top secret clearance had he not been elected president.

The Importance of Trustworthiness

Employers require credit checks for upper-level positions, and the process for obtaining a top secret clearance requires even greater scrutiny. Trump's vast amount of debt, both legal and illegal, would have been a major disqualifier. The clearance process is rigid and cannot be bypassed by simply being placed in a position of power.

Credit Debts and Deception

Trump's financial irregularities and shady dealings would have likely disqualified him from even beginning the clearance process. According to the CIA, a top secret clearance is granted based on the "need to know" principle, with rigorous background investigations into legal and financial activities, past and present arrest records, and psychological profiling interviews.

Shady Dealings and Background Investigations

Trumps history of bankruptcy and foreign financial ties would have raised significant red flags. His involvement in multiple casinos, as well as other businesses, and the largesse of his debt, particularly the alleged discovery of classified documents in the pool-storage room, would have all contributed to a failed clearance process. A skilled clearance officer would have easily identified these risks.

Personal Legal and Psychological Scrutiny

During the clearance process, applicants undergo psychological profiling interviews to assess their mental state and likelihood of acting recklessly or under stress. Trump's history of marital infidelity, making false statements, and criminal conduct, as well as his numerous civil litigations, would have been compelling reasons to deny him clearance. There is no room for error in this process, and any candidate must pass every single requirement.

Declassification and Security Measures

Furthermore, the declassification process is methodical and follows a strict schedule. There is no "magic button" to arbitrarily declassify documents. The handling of top secret documents, such as transporting them home in one's pockets, is also strictly regulated. Given Trump's history, any concerns over such practices would have been a significant barrier to clearance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, given the stringent requirements for top secret clearance and the numerous red flags in Trump's past, it is highly unlikely that he would have been able to secure such a clearance had he not become president. The clearance process is designed to protect national security, and individuals with shady dealings and a questionable track record, such as Trump, would almost certainly be denied.