CNN steps on yet another rake trying to snoop into Elon's security clearance

Comedy News Network Staff?

CNN got a fantastic response to its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking information about Elon Musk's government security clearance: "Good luck with that." Seriously, that was the response.

The Comedy News Network staffers submitted the request to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) "for records related to the security clearances of Musk and anyone from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) who has been granted access to sensitive or classified government networks." 

The reply was delicious: “Good luck with that, they just fired the whole privacy team."

CNN submitted a FOIA request for records related to the security clearances of Musk & DOGE personnel granted access to classified/secure networks.

“Good luck with that, they just fired the whole privacy team,” an OPM email address responded.https://t.co/8vCdQIPA0L— Haley Britzky (@halbritz) February 18, 2025

It seems as if DOGE just told some OPM staffers, some who deal with "privacy" issues, like security clearances, that they were no longer needed at the agency going forward.

Really bad timing for CNN, although they had to admit that not everyone on the privacy team was fired, and that some of the staff who were, would remain aboard until April 15.

CNN is hemorrhaging viewers and were hoping for a "scoop." It turns out that Elon's security clearance wasn't going to it and while CNN used to be known for its deep-diving reporting, they missed the fact that Elon spoke about his clearance last week. 

What can we expect from a network when one of their star reporters loves Luigi Mangione, the guy who cowardly shot and killed CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson?

Of course Musk would have a top secret clearance since he's the guy who works closely with the U.S. military, intelligence communities and builds big, beautiful rockets that can land back on Earth between a pair of giant chopsticks.

Meanwhile,  CNN has no right at all to snoop into Musk's clearance status via FOIA request because releasing such information is against the country's national security interests.

The Department of Justice position on this is quite clear:

FOIA Exemption 1 (5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(1)) – This exemption protects information that is classified under Executive Order 13526 (or its successors) for national security reasons. Security clearance information often falls under this exemption because it involves classified material.

FOIA Exemption 3 (5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(3)) – This exemption protects information that is specifically restricted from disclosure by other statutes. Security clearance details may be shielded under laws such as:50 U.S.C. § 3024(i)(1) – Prohibits disclosure of intelligence sources and methods, which often relate to security clearances.
Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a) – Protects personal records, including an individual's security clearance status.

FOIA Exemption 6 (5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(6)) – Protects personal privacy by preventing the disclosure of information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Security clearance status is considered personal information.

FOIA Exemption 7 (5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(7)) – Protects records compiled for law enforcement purposes, including background investigations related to security clearances.

It is no wonder that nobody takes the legacy media seriously anymore. Now CNN knows what it's like to have their FOIA requests denied like conservative outlets had under Democrat administrations.

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