Addressing Risks from Chris Krebs and Government Censorship
4/9/2025
Action Summary
- Free Speech and Censorship: Emphasizes the constitutional and moral duty to protect free speech, condemning recent government practices that suppressed conservative or dissenting viewpoints.
- Allegations Against Chris Krebs: Accuses the former CISA head of abusing his authority to censor speech related to the 2020 election, COVID-19, and issues like Hunter Biden’s laptop, thereby distorting public debate.
- Security Clearance Actions: Directs executive agencies to revoke Christopher Krebs’ security clearance and suspend clearances for individuals linked to his network, including those at SentinelOne, pending review.
- Review of Government Conduct: Orders the Attorney General, Director of National Intelligence, and Homeland Security (with other relevant agencies) to investigate Krebs’ actions and CISA’s activities over the past 6 years for violations of free speech and suitability standards.
- Reporting and Remedial Measures: Requires a joint report with recommendations for remedial or preventative actions following the investigation to align with Executive Order 14149 (Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship).
- Legal Disclaimer: Notes that the memorandum does not provide enforceable legal rights or benefits to any party against the U.S. Government or its representatives.
Risks & Considerations
- The memorandum highlights concerns about government censorship and the suppression of free speech, which could lead to increased scrutiny of academic institutions, including Vanderbilt University, regarding their policies on free speech and expression.
- There is a risk that the focus on past censorship activities could lead to heightened political polarization, potentially affecting the university’s ability to maintain a neutral stance and foster an inclusive environment for diverse viewpoints.
- The directive to review and potentially revoke security clearances could impact research collaborations and partnerships with federal agencies, particularly if individuals associated with Vanderbilt are involved in such reviews.
- Vanderbilt may need to reassess its information security and data sharing practices to ensure compliance with any new federal guidelines resulting from the memorandum’s directives.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Law School may see increased demand for expertise in constitutional law and free speech issues, providing opportunities for research and public discourse on these topics.
- The Department of Political Science could play a key role in analyzing the political implications of the memorandum and its impact on democratic processes and governance.
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Research might need to review its partnerships with federal agencies to ensure alignment with any new security clearance requirements or information sharing protocols.
- The Center for Digital Humanities could explore the implications of the memorandum on digital communication and the role of social media in shaping public opinion.
Financial Impact
- The memorandum’s focus on reviewing past government actions could lead to changes in federal funding priorities, potentially affecting grants and research funding for projects related to cybersecurity, information technology, and public policy.
- Vanderbilt may need to allocate resources to ensure compliance with any new federal guidelines or requirements resulting from the memorandum, which could impact budget planning and resource allocation.
- Opportunities may arise for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research on free speech, censorship, and the role of government in regulating information, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies and think tanks.
- The potential for increased political polarization could affect alumni and donor relations, necessitating careful communication strategies to maintain support and engagement.
Relevance Score: 3 (The memorandum presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on research collaborations and funding.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments related to the review of CISA’s activities and any changes in federal policies regarding free speech and censorship. This will help the university stay informed about potential impacts on academic freedom and research dissemination.
- The Department of Political Science could consider conducting research on the implications of federal actions on free speech and censorship, providing insights that could inform public debate and policy-making. This research could enhance Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in political science and public policy.
- Vanderbilt’s Legal Affairs Office should review the implications of Executive Order 14149 and related actions to ensure compliance with any new federal guidelines on speech and censorship. This will help mitigate risks associated with potential legal challenges or changes in federal oversight.
Opportunities
- The memorandum presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Digital Humanities to explore partnerships with social media platforms and other entities to study the impact of censorship and misinformation on public discourse. This could lead to innovative research projects and collaborations that enhance the university’s reputation in digital studies.
- By engaging with policymakers and the broader academic community, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on free speech and censorship. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on these topics can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative thought and practice in this area.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures to align with potential changes in federal policies on free speech and censorship.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Immediate action required: Revocation and suspension of security clearances, and subsequent reviews, are to be executed without delay.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Directed to undergo a comprehensive review of its conduct over the past six years, particularly regarding censorship practices under former leadership.
- Department of Justice (Attorney General): Tasked with suspending or revoking security clearances for individuals associated with Chris Krebs and ensuring legal measures are taken against misconduct.
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI): Required to collaborate with the Attorney General in actions related to the review and suspension of security clearances tied to Krebs’ activities.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Instructed to coordinate with the Attorney General in reviewing Krebs’ conduct and to take necessary actions based on findings concerning CISA’s compliance with policy guidelines.
Relevance Score: 2 (Between three to five Federal Agencies are specifically impacted by the directives in this memorandum.)
Responsible Officials
- Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies – Required to immediately revoke any active security clearance held by Christopher Krebs.
- Attorney General – Directed to suspend active security clearances held by individuals associated with Krebs, to conduct the review of Krebs’ government activities in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, and to co-author a joint report with the Secretary of Homeland Security.
- Director of National Intelligence – Required, along with other relevant agencies, to suspend active security clearances held by individuals at entities associated with Krebs.
- Secretary of Homeland Security – Tasked with reviewing Krebs’ government activities and coordinating with the Attorney General and other agency heads to determine remedial actions.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect White House/Cabinet officials and agency heads with significant national security and oversight responsibilities).