Dems call for probe into security clearances after WH aide resignation

A group of Democratic senators are calling for an investigation into White House security clearance procedures following the resignation of a top aide who has been accused of domestic abuse.

Democratic Sens. Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth Ann WarrenWith calls to #AbolishICE, Democrats make a sharp left turn toward their own Midterm Election peril Gloria Allred to Trump after 'Me Too' comments: ‘Keep your hands off Elizabeth Warren’ Elizabeth Warren announces name of new puppy MORE (Mass.) and Mazie HironoMazie Keiko HironoLawmakers press Trump admin for list of migrant kids separated from families Protesters arrested during #WomenDisobey demonstration at Senate office building Overnight Defense: VA pick breezes through confirmation hearing | House votes to move on defense bill negotiations | Senate bill would set 'stringent' oversight on North Korea talks MORE (Hawaii) sent a letter to Wayne Stone, the acting inspector general for the intelligence community, requesting an investigation into the administration’s process for granting security clearances.

The letter questions the White House’s “apparent low and inconsistent threshold” for granting clearance, and specifically points to what the senators call a “failure to seriously vet senior Trump Administration officials — including Jared KushnerJared Corey KushnerTrump shapes the landscape in Jerusalem Comedian who allegedly prank-called Trump: If I duped Jared Kushner, so did the Russians The Hill's Morning Report — Sponsored by Better Medicare Alliance — Protests and anger: Washington in turmoil as elections near MORE, Michael Flynn, and Rob Porter.”

Porter, who announced his resignation on Wednesday, had not been granted full security clearance while at the White House, reportedly after the FBI was made aware of the allegations and a protective order from one of his ex-wives.

“Members of the Senate have sent several requests for information to the administration seeking clarification on the security clearance review process," the letter read. "We are concerned over the apparent low and inconsistent threshold the Trump White House uses for obtaining an interim security clearance.”

A group of ranking Democrats from three powerful House committees sent a similar letter in January seeking information specifically about senior White House adviser and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, after it was reported that he was still using a temporary security clearance.