Long before Elon Musk and DOGE strolled into the USAID security office, one former employee and whistleblower was already calling the USAID clearance process into question. In an archival episode of the Security Clearance Careers podcast, Mark Moyar discusses his book, Masters of Corruption: How the Federal Bureaucracy Sabotaged the Trump Presidency. The author and former political appointee, now a military history professor at Hillsdale College, shared his experience with the security clearance process and how he believes it was used to retaliate against him.

While serving in a senior executive position at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Moyar reported an employee for a criminal conflict of interest. That individual ultimately left the agency but retained their clearance. Meanwhile, Moyar was accused of publishing classified information—two years after his book had been released without issue. This accusation led to his clearance suspension, administrative leave, and eventual termination before any formal revocation could occur, circumventing his due process rights.

Moyar’s case highlights how the security clearance process can be manipulated to sideline individuals. He describes how agencies can use suspension as a tactic to remove employees without ever presenting evidence or allowing them to defend themselves. Despite later regaining his clearance, Moyar faced ongoing challenges, including additional revocation attempts that are still tied up in court.

The conversation also touched on broader concerns about the security clearance process, including inconsistencies in due process protections, the role of agency security offices, and the need for legislative reforms. The conversation emphasized the importance of transparency, oversight, and the role of Congress in addressing systemic flaws.

For those working in national security, Moyar’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of employment and clearance decisions—and the critical need for accountability in the process.

 

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Lindy Kyzer is the director of content at ClearanceJobs.com. Have a conference, tip, or story idea to share? Email lindy.kyzer@clearancejobs.com. Interested in writing for ClearanceJobs.com? Learn more here.. @LindyKyzer