President Donald Trump has announced the revocation of Joe Biden’s security clearance, citing Biden’s own precedent from 2021.
Biden did it to Trump – and now he’s getting the same treatment.
At a Glance
- Trump cancels Biden’s security clearance and access to daily intelligence briefings
- Decision follows Biden’s earlier action to discontinue Trump’s intelligence access
- Trump cites special counsel report criticizing Biden’s memory and handling of classified information
- Move breaks from tradition of ex-presidents retaining access to intelligence briefings
- Decision raises questions about protocols for providing sensitive information to leaders
Trump’s Decisive Action
President Donald Trump has declared the cancellation of Joe Biden’s security clearance and denied him access to daily intelligence briefings. The announcement came shortly after Trump’s arrival at Mar-a-Lago, delivered via his social media platform.
Trump’s decision marks a significant departure from the longstanding tradition of providing Presidents with continued access to intelligence briefings. This practice has historically served as a means to maintain a channel of counsel and experience for current Presidents.
The President cited Biden’s 2021 decision to end Trump’s intelligence briefings as a precedent for his action. Trump’s statement was unequivocal in its reasoning:
“There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information,” Donald Trump said.
“Therefore, we are immediately revoking Joe Biden’s Security Clearances, and stopping his daily Intelligence Briefings,” Trump added.
Trump further elaborated on his decision, referencing a recent special counsel report that criticized Biden’s memory and handling of classified information. The report, while not finding sufficient evidence to charge Biden with mishandling classified documents, raised concerns about the current president’s cognitive abilities.
Not only did Biden do this to Trump, but given how the Democrats regularly attempt to disrupt anything Trump does, this decision could also help Trump protect his administration over the next four years.
Traditionally, ex-Presidents are granted continued access to intelligence as a courtesy after they leave office. This practice has been seen as a valuable resource, allowing current administrations to benefit from the experience and insights of their predecessors. Trump’s action represents a notable break from this tradition, spotlighting the evolving political landscape and security practices.
It’s worth noting that the decision to end briefings for a former President is at the discretion of the sitting President.
