In a decisive step that reflects ongoing political tensions, President Donald Trump has officially revoked security clearances from several prominent figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. This action follows a prior announcement Trump made regarding the security clearance of his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump's recent memorandum outlines the rationale behind this move, stating it is “no longer in the national interest” for these individuals to access classified information.
Trump Revokes Security Clearances for Rivals and Former Officials
Trump Revokes Security Clearances for Rivals and Former Officials
In an unprecedented move, President Trump strips security access from key political figures.
Typically, former presidents and high-ranking officials maintain their security clearances as a courtesy; however, Trump's move indicates a significant shift in protocol. Alongside Harris and Clinton, a series of others, including former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and former Republican lawmakers Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, have also lost their clearances. The list further extends to Fiona Hill, a former advisor on Russian affairs during the Trump administration.
Other names removed from the list include Jake Sullivan, Lisa Monaco, Mark Zaid, Norman Eisen, Letitia James, Alvin Bragg, Andrew Weissmann, and Alexander Vindman. This is not the first time Trump has taken such steps; he previously revoked clearances from over four dozen former intelligence officials whom he accused of unfairly influencing the 2020 election.
In contrast, in 2021, Biden had stripped Trump of his intelligence briefings amidst concerns over Trump's behavior, citing reasons for national security. This ongoing dynamic of revoking clearances presents a clear signal of the divided landscape in U.S. politics, as security access becomes a political tool in this highly polarized environment.
Other names removed from the list include Jake Sullivan, Lisa Monaco, Mark Zaid, Norman Eisen, Letitia James, Alvin Bragg, Andrew Weissmann, and Alexander Vindman. This is not the first time Trump has taken such steps; he previously revoked clearances from over four dozen former intelligence officials whom he accused of unfairly influencing the 2020 election.
In contrast, in 2021, Biden had stripped Trump of his intelligence briefings amidst concerns over Trump's behavior, citing reasons for national security. This ongoing dynamic of revoking clearances presents a clear signal of the divided landscape in U.S. politics, as security access becomes a political tool in this highly polarized environment.
