Trump has revoked Joe Biden’s security clearances
US President Donald Trump announced that he is revoking Joe Biden’s security clearance and access to daily intelligence briefings, citing precedent set by his predecessor four years ago.
“There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
“JOE, YOU’RE FIRED,” he added, referencing his famous catchphrase from The Apprentice.
Trump has already revoked security clearances for more than four dozen former intelligence officials, accusing them of interfering in the 2020 election to benefit Biden.
In his post on Friday evening, Trump said, “Biden set this precedent in 2021 when he instructed the Intelligence Community (IC) to stop the 45th President of the United States (ME!) from accessing National Security details—a courtesy normally provided to former presidents.”
He argued that Biden “could not be trusted with sensitive information,” referencing a justice department investigation into Biden’s handling of classified files. The inquiry concluded without charges but described Biden as having a poor memory—a characterization Biden rejected at the time.
Biden, who has largely stayed out of the public eye since stepping down last month, has not responded to Trump’s comments. The BBC reached out to his talent agency, which recently signed him, for comment.
In 2021, Biden became the first president to deny his predecessor access to classified intelligence briefings. He justified the decision by questioning Trump’s trustworthiness, citing his "erratic behavior," even before the January 6 Capitol riot, which Democrats accused Trump of inciting.
“What value is giving him an intelligence briefing?” Biden said at the time. “What impact does he have at all, other than the fact he might slip and say something?”
Revoking Clearances and Protections
Since returning to office, Trump has taken further steps to revoke security clearances and protections for other officials linked to the Biden administration.
Among those stripped of clearance is former top U.S. military commander Mark Milley, a vocal critic of Trump. New Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also launched an investigation into Milley’s “conduct” and is reviewing his military rank.
Trump also revoked the security detail of Anthony Fauci, the former chief medical adviser who led the U.S. response to Covid-19. Trump said the move was “very standard,” explaining that not everyone who worked for the government could retain security protection for life.
Additionally, Trump ordered the revocation of security clearances for dozens of former intelligence officials, including two ex-CIA directors who signed a letter in 2020 suggesting that reports about a laptop owned by Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, were likely part of a Russian disinformation campaign.