President Donald Trump has officially revoked clearances for a host of prominent political figures, including the Bidens and the Clintons, in what the Democrats are likely to dismiss as pure “revenge.” And while in some ways it is, it’s also true that these people have abused their power so badly that they shouldn’t have access to sensitive information.
At a glance:
- President Trump has revoked security clearances for Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and numerous political opponents
- The memo also targeted officials involved in Trump’s first impeachment, including Fiona Hill and Alexander Vindman
- Republicans Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, who served on the January 6 committee, had their clearances revoked
- Individuals listed in the memo have lost unescorted access to secure U.S. Government facilities
- Trump also ended Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, which had been extended during Biden’s presidency
Trump Takes Bold Security Action Against Political Opponents
President Trump issued a sweeping memo revoking security clearances for numerous political figures who have opposed him. The extensive list includes Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former President Joe Biden.
Ouch!
Trump’s decision now prevents these individuals from accessing classified information and entering secure government facilities without escorts. The move follows Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s previous revocation of security clearances for some individuals on Trump’s list – making this a real team effort.
Impeachment Figures and January 6 Committee Members Targeted
The memo specifically names individuals involved in Trump’s first impeachment proceedings from 2019. Key figures include former National Security Council official Fiona Hill, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, and former ethics counsel Norman Eisen.
Republicans Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger were the only members of their party included in the security clearance revocation. Both served on the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol events – an “investigation” that could soon land them in trouble after Trump declared their pardons “void.”
Biden Family Loses Special Privileges
President Trump’s actions extend beyond security clearances to impact the Biden family directly. The President’s Daily Brief, a highly classified intelligence summary traditionally shared with former presidents, will no longer be provided to Joe Biden.
Trump also announced the removal of Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden. Federal law provides lifelong Secret Service protection for former presidents and their spouses but does not extend to adult children after a President leaves office.
Both Trump and Biden had previously extended Secret Service protection for their children through executive action. The reversal aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to eliminate special treatment for political elites and their families.
