SIGNING STATEMENT

Trump Signs Security-Clearance Overhaul Bill He Might Not Comply With

Says law shedding light on White House’s process may encroach on his authority.

President Trump signed a bill Tuesday aimed at reducing the backlog of security-clearance investigations—but said he reserved the right not to comply with it. At the statement signing Tuesday night, Trump said the measures in the bill could encroach on his authority as commander in chief, so he could object to it on constitutional grounds. USA Today reported that Trump objects to a section of the bill requiring the White House Office of Administration to report on its process for conducting security-clearance investigations for White House officials. A number of members of the Trump administration have had troubles with security clearances. Earlier this year, staff secretary Rob Porter was revealed to have worked without a permanent security clearance for more than a year, and senior adviser Jared Kushner—Trump’s son-in-law—had his security clearance downgraded in the aftermath of Porter’s departure.