In a bold move, former President Donald Trump has revoked the security clearances of 51 former intelligence officials. These individuals signed a 2020 letter suggesting that emails from Hunter Biden’s laptop might have been part of a Russian disinformation campaign. The executive order, signed Monday, targets these ex-officials, including former CIA Director John Brennan and former National Intelligence Director Jim Clapper. While many of these officials are already retired and no longer hold active clearances, the action signals Trump’s willingness to follow through on threats against those he views as political adversaries. “They should be prosecuted for what they did,” Trump said at a campaign rally earlier this year. The order also directs the Director of National Intelligence to investigate any “inappropriate activity” tied to the letter and recommend disciplinary measures within 90 days. The letter, signed by prominent figures from both the Obama and Bush administrations, has been a focus of Republican scrutiny, with lawmakers calling signatories to testify and issuing reports on the matter. Trump’s order accuses the signatories of using their influence to manipulate the political process and undermine democratic institutions. It also singles out John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, for publishing a memoir critical of the administration, claiming it risked exposing classified information. The letter about Hunter Biden’s laptop became a flashpoint in the 2020 election, with critics questioning its legitimacy. While the laptop’s authenticity has since been confirmed, claims about foreign corruption linked to its contents remain unverified. Hunter Biden’s lawyers argue the data was manipulated, and they’ve pursued legal action against the repair shop owner who released the material. This executive order raises questions about the balance between free speech and national security. Legal experts argue that revoking clearances for private citizens exercising their First Amendment rights sets a concerning precedent. “This action is unprecedented and undeserved,” said Mark Zaid, an attorney representing some of the signatories. The move underscores the ongoing political tensions surrounding the 2020 election and its aftermath, with Trump continuing to target those he believes crossed him. **Updated with additional details.**