WASHINGTON — Top White House officials seeking security clearances are asked to disclose whether anything in their backgrounds — or those of family members — could pose a conflict of interest, be a source of embarrassment or be used to blackmail them, according to an excerpt of a questionnaire obtained by NBC News.
In the wake of Wednesday’s report by NBC News that more than 130 White House officials lacked full security clearances as of November, the supplemental questions — which are not part of the standard questionnaire filled out by other government officials — shed light on the sort of information that could raise flags in a background investigation.
Legal experts say that the allegations of domestic violence against former White House staff secretary Rob Porter would have almost certainly qualified as a source of embarrassment and possible blackmail, and therefore would have posed an impediment to him being granted a full clearance.
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The basic questionnaire most people must fill out when seeking a security clearance is Standard Form 86. That form asks whether “there currently a domestic violence protective order or restraining order issued against you.” Porter had been subject to a temporary protective order in 2010.
The standard form does not, however, ask about potential blackmail.
But in the Trump White House, certain officials have been required to answer supplemental questions, according to an excerpt of a supplemental form they have filled out. It includes this question:
“With as much detail as possible, please provide any other information, including information about other members of your family, which could suggest a conflict of interest, be a possible source of embarrassment, or be used to coerce or blackmail you.”
The applicants also are asked: “Are you aware of any reason not discussed above that may call into question your suitability to serve in public office?”
Officials in previous administrations were also required to answer supplemental questions.
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EXCLUSIVE: Trump aides are asked if they are vulnerable to blackmail https://t.co/QEWQiHWC0I
— NBC Politics (@NBCPolitics) February 15, 2018
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