Trump justified his latest action by pointing to Biden’s own decision in 2021 to block him from intelligence briefings—an unprecedented step for a former president
US President Donald Trump has announced the revocation of Joe Biden’s security clearance and access to daily intelligence briefings, mirroring a move made by Biden against him four years ago.
“There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding his signature phrase from The Apprentice: “JOE, YOU’RE FIRED.”
The decision follows Trump’s wider efforts to strip security clearances from former officials he accuses of political bias. Last month, he revoked the access of more than four dozen intelligence officials who had signed a 2020 letter suggesting reports about a laptop belonging to Biden’s son, Hunter, were a Russian disinformation effort. The laptop was later confirmed to be real.
Retaliatory Move?
Trump justified his latest action by pointing to Biden’s own decision in 2021 to block him from intelligence briefings—an unprecedented step for a former president. At the time, Biden argued that Trump’s “erratic behaviour” made him unfit to receive classified information, particularly in light of the Capitol riot that Democrats blamed on him.
Trump claimed Biden “could not be trusted with sensitive information” and cited a Justice Department inquiry that criticised Biden’s handling of classified documents. The investigation, while deciding against pressing charges, described Biden’s memory as failing, noting that he could not recall major life events, including the year his son Beau died. Biden strongly rejected that characterisation.Biden, who left office last month, has yet to respond to Trump’s decision.
Sweeping Changes To Security Clearance
Since returning to office, Trump has undertaken a broader effort to revoke security clearances and protections for key figures associated with the Biden administration.
Among those affected is former US military commander Mark Milley, who was openly critical of Trump. Trump’s newly appointed Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has also ordered an investigation into Milley’s conduct and a review of his military rank.
Another high-profile figure to lose security protection is Dr Anthony Fauci, the former chief medical adviser who led the US response to Covid-19. Trump defended the move as “very standard,” arguing that lifetime security details for former officials were unnecessary.
Even members of Trump’s own former administration have not been exempt. His former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and ex-National Security Adviser, John Bolton, both had their Secret Service protections removed last month.
Trump has also targeted former intelligence officials, including two ex-CIA directors, who signed the 2020 letter dismissing reports on Hunter Biden’s laptop as Russian disinformation. The move reflects Trump’s long-standing grievances over what he claims was interference in the 2020 election.
Divisive Decision
The revocation of Biden’s security clearance is likely to fuel further political tension in Washington. While Trump argues he is simply following Biden’s precedent, critics see it as part of a broader effort to punish political opponents.
Biden’s allies have not yet issued a formal response, but the decision is expected to spark debate over whether security clearances should be used as political tools. Meanwhile, Trump remains firm in his stance, stating that access to classified intelligence should be reserved only for those who can be fully trusted.
