Though he initially was given a pass on new rules that required anyone still operating on interim security clearance no longer have access to classified information, the ax has finally come down for Jared Kushner.
Kushner is not alone. All White House aides working on the highest-level interim clearances — at the Top Secret/SCI-level — were informed in a memo sent Friday that their clearances would be downgraded to the Secret level, according to three people with knowledge of the situation.
The reason that Kushner hasn’t received permanent clearance is … clear enough. His FBI file contains enough warnings that the White House personnel security office hasn’t found a way to let him pass despite tremendous pressure. In fact, the head of that office has made it clear that if Trump is waiting on a clearance for Kushner, he can expect to keep waiting.
But just because Kushner has lost his clearance for the moment, doesn’t mean it will stick.
Kelly does not plan to recommend to the president that he grant Kushner a waiver, but he is unlikely to resign if Trump ultimately decides to do so, according to a person familiar with his thinking.
Since giving Kushner a waiver is entirely up to Trump, you can start your clocks … now.