President Donald Trump made headlines by revoking security clearances for Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and several prominent Democrats and political adversaries. In a presidential memo issued late Friday, Trump stated, ‘I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information.’
Controversial Decision
The list of 15 individuals targeted in the memo included Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Rep. Liz Cheney, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, and New York Attorney General Letitia James, among others. The memo did not specify the exact security clearance status of these individuals.
Trump’s decision to revoke Biden’s security clearance had been announced earlier in February, with National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard confirming the revocations for Blinken, James, and others on March 10.
Tit-for-Tat Move
Banning Biden from intelligence briefings was seen as a retaliatory measure after Biden had barred Trump from accessing classified documents in 2021 due to concerns about his ‘erratic behavior.’
Former presidents traditionally receive briefings and access to sensitive information as a courtesy, even without formal security clearance. Trump’s memo also instructed executive departments to revoke unescorted access to government facilities for the named individuals.
Security Details Revoked
Additionally, Trump announced the immediate withdrawal of Secret Service protection for Biden’s children, Hunter and Ashley, sparking criticism from his detractors who viewed it as a vindictive act against a former rival.
This unprecedented move by Trump has raised questions about the implications and motivations behind revoking security clearances for prominent political figures.
