Congress began looking into security clearance procedures after classified documents were found in former president Donald Trump’s Mar a Lago residence, with new legislation released following the latest alleged leak by Airman Jack Teixeira. Critics argue there are too many people with clearances, and congress is asking agencies to draw their numbers down. ClearanceJobs sat down with Charles Phalen, former acting director of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), and current principal of CS Phalen & Associates. They discuss why personnel vetting is scrutinized following every major leak, why cutting the number of security clearances seems like a plausible solution (but isn’t), and eApp and possible changes to the security clearance application process.
In the second half of the program security clearance legal correspondent Sean Bigley and ClearanceJobs’ Lindy Kyzer discuss domestic violence in security clearance applicants or holders. Like all issues, the government will consider domestic violence within the whole person concept. But for significant others worried that reporting an issue of domestic violence or getting help would be an issue, it’s worth noting that not reporting issues won’t protect the security clearance holder or their career. Withholding information or excluding negative issues are more often an eligibility issue than reporting them.
