In a recent administrative move, federal agencies have been instructed to reevaluate the security clearance statuses of two former officials—Chris Krebs, former head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Miles Taylor, a former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official. The decision is part of a broader effort to assess actions taken during their time in public service and their ongoing access to sensitive government information.

According to a statement released by the Office of Administration, the initiative includes revoking existing security clearances held by Krebs, as well as launching a full review of individuals and organizations connected to him. Taylor, who now lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, will also be subject to similar scrutiny, particularly concerning access to government security credentials granted during or after his tenure.

Will Scharf, staff secretary to the administration, clarified that the review will focus on whether any actions taken by the two officials during their service conflicted with federal protocols or the public interest.

“This directive ensures all individuals who previously held high-level government positions are still aligned with the standards required for access to classified materials,” Scharf stated. “It is a safeguard to prevent the misuse of such access for purposes outside the scope of public service.”

Krebs gained national attention in the aftermath of the 2020 election for his public statements regarding the integrity of the electoral process. His assurances of a secure election drew both praise and criticism, leading to heightened public scrutiny and, eventually, his departure from the agency. Despite controversies, Krebs has continued to be active in technology and cybersecurity sectors.

Taylor, for his part, has been outspoken since his time in government, sharing insights into internal operations and advocating for reform within federal departments. His role in raising internal concerns became public years after his departure, with some questioning whether those actions were appropriate for someone in his former position of authority.

The administration’s memorandum emphasizes the need for a case-by-case evaluation of any current security clearances still held by these individuals and others within their professional circles. The order also includes a temporary suspension of access until those evaluations are complete.

A government spokesperson noted that this approach is not unique to any individual. “All former officials are subject to ongoing assessment, especially when their roles involved access to highly sensitive information. These reviews help ensure that clearances continue to align with national priorities and the need for confidentiality.”

Experts in public administration and national security say these actions are part of standard practices when changes in leadership or policy direction occur. “It’s not uncommon to see reviews of clearance access when there are questions about decisions made while in office or after public departures,” said Dr. Lena Morris, a government oversight analyst. “Transparency and accountability are crucial for maintaining public trust.”

The measures also extend to SentinelOne, a technology firm reportedly linked to Krebs, with agencies instructed to evaluate whether ongoing clearances connected to the company remain appropriate.

Meanwhile, university officials at the University of Pennsylvania, where Taylor teaches, have not issued a formal response to the review. However, they confirmed their cooperation with any federal inquiry related to personnel or institutional matters.

Although the directive has generated public interest, officials emphasized that this process is rooted in regulatory oversight rather than punitive intent. “This is not about political statements or personal disagreements,” said a senior administrative official. “It’s about ensuring government protocols are followed and public confidence is upheld.”

No timeline has been provided for the conclusion of the investigations, but the Department of Justice and other relevant agencies are expected to begin reviews immediately.