In a move that has reignited political tensions, President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is revoking former President Joe Biden’s security clearance and cutting off his access to daily intelligence briefings.
“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,” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.
Citing Biden’s Own Precedent
Trump justified his decision by pointing to Biden’s actions in 2021 when he blocked Trump from receiving intelligence briefings upon leaving office. At the time, Biden said he believed Trump’s access to sensitive national security information was unnecessary and could pose a risk.
“I just think that there is no need for him to have the intelligence briefings,” Biden said in 2021. “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?”
Trump seized on this statement, arguing that Biden himself set the precedent. He also referenced special counsel Robert Hur’s 2024 report, which described Biden’s memory as deteriorating and questioned his ability to handle classified materials responsibly.
A Broader Pattern of Revocations
Biden isn’t the only former official to lose security protections under Trump’s presidency. Since returning to office in January, Trump has also withdrawn security measures for several high-profile figures, many of whom have been vocal critics of his administration.
Last month, Trump ended Secret Service protection for former National Security Adviser John Bolton. He also removed security protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rescinded the security clearance and detail of retired Army Gen. Mark Milley, the former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This week, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper also lost his security detail.
These officials have all faced threats from Iran after the U.S. carried out the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, a move Trump ordered during his first term. Critics argue that removing their security details could put them in danger.
Political and Security Implications
Trump’s move to revoke Biden’s security clearance is largely symbolic, as former presidents typically have little need for classified intelligence once out of office. However, the decision adds to the already deep divisions between the two leaders and their supporters.
Supporters of Trump argue that he is simply following Biden’s own example and taking necessary steps to safeguard national security. Opponents, however, see it as part of a broader pattern of retribution against political rivals.
