WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump has issued a directive revoking the security clearances of more than a dozen individuals, including former President Joe Biden, his family, and other high-profile political figures.
In a memo released Friday, Trump stated that it was no longer in the national interest for these individuals to have access to classified information. The order affects Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Attorney General Letitia James—both of whom have led legal challenges against Trump.
Additionally, the memo extends to former Biden administration officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. Other notable names include former Republican lawmakers Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, both vocal Trump critics, as well as individuals connected to Trump’s first impeachment, such as Alexander Vindman, Fiona Hill, and whistleblower attorney Mark Zaid.
“I have determined that these individuals should no longer be privy to sensitive government information,” Trump wrote, instructing federal agencies to immediately revoke their access and ensure they are no longer able to enter secure government facilities unescorted.
Also Read – Trump Warns Dems on Backing Khalil: ‘Not a Great Issue,’ but ‘Better’ Than Opposing Deportation
The decision also eliminates access to classified briefings, including the President’s Daily Brief, which is traditionally available to former presidents and high-ranking officials. Trump’s memo specifies that if any of these individuals hold security clearances through private employment, their employers must be informed of the revocation.
This move follows an earlier review by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who on March 10 revoked clearances for Blinken, Sullivan, Monaco, Bragg, James, Zaid, and other key figures, including the 51 former intelligence officials who signed a letter dismissing reports about Hunter Biden’s laptop as potential misinformation.
Trump had previously indicated his intention to strip certain individuals of security access, arguing that Biden had set a precedent in 2021 when he blocked Trump from receiving intelligence briefings. At the time, Biden cited Trump’s “erratic behavior” as the reason for the decision.
“I just think that there is no need for him to have that intelligence briefing,” Biden told CBS News in 2021. “What impact does he have at all, other than the fact he might slip and say something?”
Historically, former presidents and senior officials have retained security access in case a sitting president seeks their input on national security matters. However, Trump’s order marks a shift away from that tradition, particularly in the wake of heightened political divisions.
In addition to revoking individual security clearances, Trump also signed executive orders barring law firms Perkins Coie and Paul Weiss from access to classified materials. Perkins Coie played a role in commissioning the Steele Dossier, while former Paul Weiss partner Mark Pomerantz was involved in Bragg’s case against Trump over hush money payments.
Perkins Coie has already filed a lawsuit challenging Trump’s order, while Paul Weiss negotiated an agreement with the administration to have the directive rescinded.
With this sweeping action, Trump has effectively restricted access to classified information for some of his most prominent adversaries, reinforcing the political battles that have defined his presidency .
