US President Donald Trump has revoked Joe Biden’s security clearance and access to daily intelligence briefings, citing Biden’s 2021 decision to deny him the same privilege.
Trump Justifies Decision on Truth Social
In a Truth Social post on Friday evening, Trump declared, “There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information.” He followed with his famous phrase, “JOE, YOU’RE FIRED,” from The Apprentice.
Trump accused Biden of mishandling classified documents and pointed to a Justice Department investigation. The probe found Biden stored classified files improperly but decided against pressing criminal charges. However, investigators noted Biden had memory lapses, including forgetting the year his son Beau died.
Biden Had Previously Blocked Trump’s Access
In 2021, Biden became the first president to deny intelligence briefings to a predecessor. He justified the move by citing Trump’s “erratic behavior” and concerns about his handling of sensitive information.
Biden questioned whether Trump needed access to intelligence, saying, “What impact does he have at all, other than the fact he might slip and say something?”
Trump Expands Revocations to Former Officials
Since returning to office, Trump has stripped security clearances and protections from officials tied to the Biden administration.
- Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, lost his security clearance and protection detail. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also launched an investigation into Milley’s conduct and a review of his military rank.
- Anthony Fauci, former chief medical adviser, lost his security detail. Trump stated that officials should not receive lifelong protection just because they held government positions.
- Mike Pompeo (Trump’s former Secretary of State) and John Bolton (former National Security Adviser) also lost their security protections last month.
- Two former CIA directors and dozens of intelligence officials had their clearances revoked. They had signed a 2020 letter dismissing reports about Hunter Biden’s laptop as Russian disinformation, though later evidence confirmed its authenticity.
Biden Has Yet to Respond
Biden, who left office last month, has not yet commented on Trump’s decision. His talent agency, which recently signed him, also declined to respond.
Trump’s move signals a growing divide over national security policies and highlights ongoing tensions between the two administrations.
