President Trump has revoked security clearances for Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and top officials, including Antony Blinken and Hillary Clinton. The move, seen as politically charged, also affects Republican critic Liz Cheney. Experts warn of legal challenges, calling it a break from tradition in national security protocol.
In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump has revoked the security clearances of his predecessor Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and several senior national security officials. The decision, announced in a White House memorandum on Friday, also affects key Democratic figures, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
Trump ordered all federal agencies to strip these individuals of access to classified material and government facilities, a courtesy traditionally extended to former officials for consultation and advisory roles. The move signals escalating tensions between Trump and the Biden administration, with critics calling it a political vendetta.
The decision also targets Republican critic Liz Cheney and former White House intelligence officials Fiona Hill and Alexander Vindman. Vindman, a retired Army officer, gained prominence for raising concerns about Trump’s interactions with Russia during his first term.
Trump has long accused Biden of election fraud in 2020, a claim widely debunked by courts and independent audits. His own handling of classified documents came under scrutiny when he was found storing sensitive materials at his Mar-a-Lago estate. However, the investigation into the matter ended after Trump returned to office.
The revocation of security clearances is expected to spark legal challenges, as former presidents and officials often retain access for consulting on national security matters. Experts warn that the move could set a dangerous precedent, further polarizing Washington’s already fraught political landscape.
