Donald Trump revoked security clearances for several high-profile figures, including Democratic rivals Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton, former officials, and critics.
His February memorandum also confirmed the withdrawal of security clearance for Joe Biden, alongside any members of the Biden family. Trump’s reasoning: “I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information.”
Typically, former U.S. presidents and senior officials retain their security clearances out of courtesy. However, Trump’s order went beyond routine revocation, compelling department leaders to “revoke unescorted access” to government facilities and classified briefings for those named.
Among those affected were Biden’s Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and former officials Fiona Hill and Alexander Vindman, who testified during Trump’s first impeachment. High-profile Republicans like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger also lost access after their roles in the January 6 investigation and Trump’s second impeachment.
Trump’s revocations extended to prominent legal figures, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, and lawyers like Norm Eisen and Andrew Weissman, who challenged Trump in court. Vindman and Eisen responded defiantly on social media, downplaying the revocation’s significance.
Previously, Trump had also removed security clearances for dozens of former intelligence officials, accusing them of meddling in the 2020 election. Meanwhile, legal troubles continued for Trump, with a judge finding him liable for fraud in a 2024 civil lawsuit.
