Trump Revokes Biden’s Security Clearance, Intelligence Briefings \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump announced that he is revoking former President Joe Biden’s security clearance and ending his access to intelligence briefings, citing Biden’s decision to do the same to him in 2021. Trump framed the move as a matter of national security, referencing a special counsel report that questioned Biden’s memory and ability to handle classified information. This latest action is part of Trump’s broader effort to remove security privileges from critics and officials he sees as adversaries, including former intelligence officers, Mike Pompeo, and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Quick Looks
- Trump announced the decision on his social media platform upon arriving at Mar-a-Lago.
- Biden’s security clearance and daily intelligence briefings are now officially revoked.
- Trump cited Biden’s 2021 decision to cut off his own access to intelligence reports.
- The move is part of Trump’s broader crackdown on officials he views as adversaries.
- Trump has already revoked security clearances from more than 50 former intelligence officials.
- Mike Pompeo and Dr. Anthony Fauci also lost their government-provided security details.
- Trump dismissed National Archivist Colleen Shogan, citing her agency’s involvement in past investigations.
- Trump used a special counsel report to claim Biden’s “poor memory” makes him unfit to receive classified information.
- Biden has not yet responded to Trump’s decision.
Deep Look
Trump Retaliates Against Biden Over Intelligence Briefings
President Donald Trump escalated his efforts to reshape Washington on Friday by revoking former President Joe Biden’s security clearance and cutting off his daily intelligence briefings.
Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, stating:
“There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information. Therefore, we are immediately revoking Joe Biden’s Security Clearances and stopping his daily Intelligence Briefings.”
The decision is a direct retaliation for Biden’s 2021 move to block Trump’s access to intelligence reports after the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
“He set this precedent in 2021 when he instructed the Intelligence Community (IC) to stop the 45th President of the United States (ME!) from accessing details on National Security, a courtesy provided to former Presidents.”
Biden has not yet commented on the revocation, but his past remarks suggest he sees no value in giving intelligence briefings to Trump.
The 2021 Biden Decision That Sparked Trump’s Move
During his first month in office, Biden blocked Trump from receiving intelligence briefings, citing concerns about his “erratic behavior” and potential security risks.
In a 2021 CBS News interview, Biden made it clear that he did not trust Trump with classified information, saying:
“What value is giving him an intelligence briefing? What impact does he have at all, other than the fact he might slip and say something?”
Biden’s decision was based on Trump’s role in spreading election fraud claims and his alleged incitement of the January 6th attack.
With Trump now back in the White House, he has decided to apply the same standard to Biden.
Trump’s Broader Crackdown on Security Clearances
Revoking Biden’s security access is part of Trump’s wider effort to punish officials he views as adversaries.
Since taking office, Trump has:
- Revoked security clearances for over 50 former intelligence officials who signed a 2020 letter claiming Hunter Biden’s laptop had the “hallmarks” of Russian disinformation.
- Removed security details from ex-officials, including:
- Mike Pompeo, his former Secretary of State, despite Iranian threats against him.
- Dr. Anthony Fauci, who previously had government-provided security due to threats over his COVID-19 policies.
Trump’s aggressive moves suggest he is systematically eliminating access to sensitive government resources for those who opposed or criticized him.
Trump’s Dismissal of National Archivist Colleen Shogan
In another high-profile decision, Trump also fired Colleen Shogan, the Archivist of the United States.
- Shogan led the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), which played a role in the classified document probe involving Trump.
- Trump had previously vowed to replace the National Archives leadership over what he viewed as politically motivated investigations.
- While Shogan wasn’t in charge at the time of Trump’s classified documents case, she had defended the agency’s role in maintaining transparency.
White House aide Sergio Gor confirmed Shogan’s dismissal, posting on X (formerly Twitter) Friday night.
Trump Uses Special Counsel Report to Justify Biden’s Removal
In his social media post, Trump referenced the findings of Special Counsel Robert Hur, who investigated Biden’s handling of classified information.
The Hur report described Biden’s memory as:
- “Hazy”
- “Fuzzy”
- “Faulty”
- “Poor”
- Having “significant limitations”
It noted that Biden could not recall major milestones in his life, including:
- When his son Beau Biden died.
- When he served as vice president.
Trump seized on this assessment, writing:
“The Hur Report revealed that Biden suffers from ‘poor memory’ and, even in his ‘prime,’ could not be trusted with sensitive information.”
He ended his post with a signature Trump-style line:
“I will always protect our National Security — JOE, YOU’RE FIRED. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
The 2022 Trump Classified Documents Case
Biden’s team is likely to point to Trump’s own legal troubles related to classified documents.
In 2022, federal agents raided Mar-a-Lago and seized boxes of classified records Trump kept after leaving office.
- Trump was indicted on multiple felony counts related to the documents.
- He pleaded not guilty and called the case a political attack.
- The charges were later dismissed when a judge ruled that the special counsel was illegally appointed.
- After Trump won re-election, the Justice Department dropped its appeal.
Despite Trump’s history with classified material, his status as current president gives him the authority to determine access to intelligence briefings—including Biden’s removal.
What’s Next?
- Biden may publicly respond to Trump’s decision, particularly given past concerns about Trump’s handling of intelligence.
- Democratic lawmakers could challenge Trump’s moves against security clearances and government personnel.
- Trump may continue his purge, revoking more clearances or replacing additional officials.
With his second term in full swing, Trump’s “revenge tour” is shaping up to be one of the most aggressive shake-ups in modern U.S. history.
Trump Revokes Biden’s Trump Revokes Biden’s
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