Trump Revokes Security Clearances for Political Rivals, Including Biden and Clinton
In a late Friday presidential memo, former President Donald Trump revoked security clearances for several political opponents, including former President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The directive named 15 individuals, citing national interest concerns.
“I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information,” Trump stated in the memo. The list also included Antony Blinken, Biden’s Secretary of State; former Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger; and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who led a civil fraud case against Trump.
It remains unclear what level of access some of the individuals currently held. The move follows Trump’s February remarks, where he expressed his intention to revoke Biden’s clearance. On March 10, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard confirmed that access for Blinken, James, and others had already been rescinded under Trump’s instructions.
The memo not only bars the named individuals from accessing classified information but also prohibits unescorted entry to secure government facilities. It specifies that the order applies to access derived from prior congressional roles and executive appointments, effectively ending the practice of consulting former officials on national security matters.
This decision mirrors actions taken by Biden in 2021, when he denied Trump access to classified intelligence, citing concerns about his “erratic behavior.” Historically, former presidents have often received briefings as a courtesy, though without formal security clearances.
In a related move earlier this week, Trump withdrew Secret Service protection for Biden’s children, Hunter and Ashley. The decision drew sharp criticism from opponents, who labeled it as politically motivated.
Trump’s sweeping order highlights a significant shift in norms surrounding post-office privileges and reflects the deepening partisan divide over national security policies.
