President Trump revokes Chris Krebs' security clearance and orders DOJ investigation

In a significant move, President Trump revoked the security clearance of Chris Krebs, the former head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), on April 9, 2025. This decision comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the integrity of the 2020 election, which Krebs had previously described as "the safest election we've ever had." Trump has directed the Department of Justice to investigate Krebs' activities during his tenure, suggesting that there may have been misconduct related to election security.

During a White House cabinet meeting the following day, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard raised alarms about the vulnerabilities of electronic voting machines. She emphasized the need for paper ballots to restore public trust in the electoral process, stating, "We have evidence of how these electronic voting systems have been vulnerable to hackers for a very long time." Gabbard's comments reflect a growing concern over election security and the integrity of voting systems across the nation.

In Brazos County, the use of Hart Intercivic voting machines has come under scrutiny. Recent financial reports revealed that the county spent over $20,000 this week alone on various services related to these machines, including maintenance and administrative printing. This raises questions about the long-term financial impact of these voting systems on local taxpayers.

As discussions about election security continue to unfold at the national level, the implications for local governance and public trust in the electoral process remain critical. The outcome of the investigations into Krebs and the push for paper ballots could reshape the future of voting in the United States.