$554M of Debt Makes You a Security Risk
Imagine you’re applying for a job that requires access to sensitive, classified information. One of the first things you’ll go through is an extensive background check, including a thorough review of your financial history. This is because financial instability can make someone a target for blackmail or manipulation, which is a major security concern. So, if a regular person applied for a security clearance while owing $554 million, like former President Donald Trump reportedly does, they'd be immediately flagged as a security risk and denied clearance.
Carrying that level of debt is more than just a personal financial problem—it’s a potential national security crisis. People in deep financial trouble can be desperate, which makes them more susceptible to outside influence. If foreign adversaries, powerful corporations, or corrupt actors know someone is financially compromised, they can exploit that vulnerability. This is why security clearances involve rigorous financial scrutiny.