President Donald Trump has revoked the security clearance of his predecessor, Joe Biden, effectively ending his access to daily intelligence briefings. Trump announced this decision on X, formerly known as Twitter, citing a special counsel report that criticized Biden's handling of classified documents. This move mirrors actions taken by Biden in 2021, when he revoked Trump's access to intelligence briefings following the January 6 Capitol attack.
The special counsel report, referred to by Trump, described Biden's handling of classified documents as "hazy," "fuzzy," and "faulty," with "significant limitations," particularly highlighting Biden's "poor" memory. Trump emphasized these findings as the basis for his decision, arguing there is no further need for Biden to access classified information.
"The Hur Report revealed that Biden suffers from 'poor memory' and, even in his 'prime', could not be trusted with sensitive information." – Donald Trump
This latest development is consistent with Trump's previous actions during his presidency, where he revoked security clearances from over 50 former intelligence officials who had criticized him. Among these officials were former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Trump's announcement on X stated:
"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." – Donald Trump
In a broader context, Trump's own handling of classified information has been under scrutiny. He faces an indictment on numerous felony counts related to the alleged illegal hoarding of classified records and obstructing FBI efforts to retrieve them. These charges stem from the discovery of classified documents at his Florida residence in 2022.
The revocation of Biden's security clearance also reflects ongoing political tensions between the two leaders. Biden had previously terminated Trump's intelligence briefings following the latter's role in inciting efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and the subsequent January 6 insurrection at the Capitol.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Trump had expressed his intention to replace the head of the National Archives and Records Administration. He followed through by dismissing Colleen Shogan as the archivist of the United States, marking another significant step in his administrative decisions related to classified information management.
While Trump has taken decisive steps in this regard, Biden has yet to comment on the revocation of his security clearance.