Trump strips security clearances from Biden, Harris, and key political figures
Kumar Shivam | Mar 23, 2025, 01:42 IST
Donald Trump has revoked the security clearances of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and other key figures, including those involved in his impeachment trials and investigations. Critics view this as political retaliation. Trump's decision aligns with Biden's 2021 move to block Trump's intelligence briefings. This development coincides with reports of Biden's efforts to rebuild the Democratic Party.
Donald Trump issued a presidential memo late Friday stripping Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and other key figures of their security clearances. The list includes former secretary of state Antony Blinken, former representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, and New York attorney general Letitia James. Trump’s order also removes their unescorted access to secure government facilities, ending privileges traditionally extended to former officials.
Trump justified his decision by stating that these individuals no longer need access to classified information. Critics, however, see this as political revenge, as the list includes several people who played key roles in investigating or prosecuting Trump. Among them is Letitia James, who led a fraud case against Trump, and Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney who prosecuted him.
The move comes in response to Biden’s 2021 decision to block Trump from intelligence briefings, citing concerns about his behavior. Trump’s order also targets individuals involved in his first impeachment trial, including Fiona Hill, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, and lawyer Norman Eisen. Additionally, it includes the 51 former intelligence officials who suggested Hunter Biden’s laptop might be Russian disinformation.
Trump’s decision coincides with reports that Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, are working to help rebuild the Democratic Party after Kamala Harris’s election defeat. However, with Democratic approval ratings at a record low, the party faces a tough political road ahead. When asked about Biden’s potential return to politics, Trump remarked, “I hope so.”