Trump Strips Biden of Security Clearance in Political Payback Move

Trump Revokes Biden’s Security Clearance in Retaliation, Citing Trust and Intelligence Concerns

In another dramatic twist, US President Donald Trump Friday announced he is withdrawing former President Joe Biden’s security clearance. That means former President Biden will no longer have access to classified intelligence briefings-a perk previous US presidents enjoyed.

There is no reason for Joe Biden to receive access to classified information, period,” Trump posted on his Truth Social. “Therefore, we are immediately revoking Joe Biden’s security clearances and ending his daily intelligence briefings.

The move amounts to a dramatic political payback because Biden had earlier revoked the same security clearance that Trump possessed in 2021 when he took office. The then incumbent Biden justified his move by labeling the behavior of the incumbent President, Trump as erratic, more so after the January 6 attack on the US Capitol during which rioters stormed the Congress seeking to nullify the election outcome of the 2020 polls.

Read more: Kameshwar Chaupal Passes Away In Delhi After Prolonged Illness

Trump, in his typical flamboyant style, referenced his famous catchphrase from the reality show The Apprentice, stating in all capital letters: “JOE, YOU’RE FIRED.” The statement emphasized the personal and political nature of the decision, further fueling tensions between the two leaders.

The former US president has had his clearance revoked after a special counsel report that investigated classified documents found in Biden’s home. The report raises questions on the cognitive functions of the 82-year-old former president, who was said to have symptoms of “poor memory.” Trump seized on the news, declaring that Biden should not have access to sensitive intelligence.

This decision comes amidst controversy surrounding the handling of classified information by Trump himself. The Justice Department had initially filed a case against Trump on his possession of classified documents. However, that case was also dropped after the victory of Trump in the 2024 elections.

Traditionally, ex-presidents retained their security clearances as a courtesy, making them available if their advice is sought on security matters. For this reason, by revoking Biden’s security clearances, Trump has chosen to break precedent, using an executive power granted him in his response to moves Biden made some time ago.

Read more: BJP Files Complaint Against AAP Leaders Over Horse Trading Allegations

This will further polarize an already polarized political landscape. Trump’s supporters have lauded the decision as a long-overdue reaction to what they view as the earlier political gamesmanship by Biden. Critics of the move contend that Trump is undermining national security norms and that he is misusing the intelligence apparatus for personal vendettas.

As the two enter a period of political rivalries, the unprecedented revocation of Biden’s security clearance also highlights profound antagonism for each other at this stage, whether it provides precedence for another administration is quite questionable.

We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join. 

Like this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.