PALM BEACH, Fla. — On Friday, former President Donald Trump announced his decision to revoke Joe Biden’s access to classified government information, including daily intelligence briefings. This move, according to Trump, is a direct response to Biden’s actions in 2021 when he revoked Trump’s access to similar information. Trump conveyed his decision through a post on his social media site shortly after arriving at his Mar-a-Lago estate where he will be spending the weekend.
In his post, Trump 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.” He emphasized that Biden set a precedent when he directed the Intelligence Community to cease providing classified briefings to him, following the events surrounding the 2020 presidential election controversies.
This action marks yet another move in what Trump describes as a “vengeance tour” related to Washington politics, a theme he campaigned on. Previously, Trump has rescinded security clearances from over 40 former intelligence officials who had publicly criticized him, as well as security details for former officials who have voiced opposition, including ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former health official Dr. Anthony Fauci, both of whom are reportedly facing threats.
As for Biden, there has been no immediate reaction to Trump’s announcement. When Biden terminated Trump’s intelligence briefings, it was after Trump had incited actions to overturn the election results and played a role in the January 6 insurrection. Biden characterized Trump’s behavior as “erratic,” citing this as the reason for blocking him from receiving classified information.
During a CBS News interview, Biden expressed hesitancy when asked about the implications of Trump receiving such briefings, indicating that he believed there was no need for Trump to access sensitive information. He questioned the value of providing such briefings, suggesting that it could lead to potential leaks of classified information.
In 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Trump’s Florida residence, leading to the seizure of numerous classified documents. Trump has faced serious legal challenges, including an indictment on multiple felony counts related to the unlawful retention of classified records and obstructing official recovery efforts. He has pleaded not guilty, denying any wrongdoing. A judge dismissed the charges, claiming the special counsel’s appointment was improper, and the Justice Department subsequently opted not to appeal after Trump’s election in November.
In a related development, Trump also removed Colleen Shogan from her position as the archivist of the United States, as reported by White House aide Sergio Gor on X. Trump had previously indicated in January his intentions to replace the head of the National Archives and Records Administration, frustration stemming from the agency alerting the Justice Department about concerns regarding Trump’s management of classified materials. Notably, Shogan was not in her role at the time the classified documents issue arose.
Trump referenced findings from the special counsel’s report last year regarding the handling of classified documents, criticizing Biden’s memory and reliability concerning sensitive issues. He remarked, “The Hur Report revealed that Biden suffers from ‘poor memory’ and, even in his ‘prime,’ could not be trusted with sensitive information.” He concluded his remarks with a bold statement: “I will always protect our National Security — JOE, YOU’RE FIRED. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Special counsel Robert Hur conducted an investigation into Biden’s management of classified data, ultimately determining that no criminal charges were justified, although he issued a sharply critical commentary on Biden’s handling of sensitive government records. The report described Biden’s memory as having significant deficiencies, illustrating difficulties in recalling important life events and milestones.
As a sitting president, Trump is within his rights to end access to intelligence briefings for Biden, as it falls under the discretion of the current president to determine whether former presidents should retain access to classified information. Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, amplified the sentiments expressed in Trump’s post on social media, echoing a catchy phrase urging Biden to depart from public life.
