Trump Cancels Security Clearances for Harris, Clinton, and Other Prominent Democrats
The president has also revoked security clearances for the entire family of his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.
On Friday, President Donald Trump revoked security clearances for over 15 notable political figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
In addition to Harris and Clinton, Trump also rescinded security clearances for former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and Biden’s entire family.
The revocation list includes former Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, all of whom have participated in legal actions against Trump.
Trump further revoked security clearances for former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney and former Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger—both Republicans who were members of the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, insurrection.
Others on the list include retired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, former White House Russia expert Fiona Hill, former U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic Norman Eisen, former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann, and lawyer Mark Zaid.
In his memo, Trump instructed heads of executive departments and agencies to terminate access to classified information for the individuals listed.
This order affects classified briefings as well as any access to classified information these individuals might have held owing to their past roles in Congress.
“I also direct all heads of executive departments and agencies to revoke unescorted access to secure United States Government facilities for these individuals,” he noted.
Upon assuming office in 2021, Biden rescinded Trump’s access to intelligence briefings, referencing the events surrounding the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump was subsequently impeached by the House of Representatives and acquitted by the Senate.
Traditionally, former presidents receive courtesy access to classified information at the highest levels, including daily intelligence briefings, which equip them to stay informed on national security matters and provide guidance to the current president when requested.
While few former presidents have requested such briefings, the late President George H.W. Bush—who served as director of the CIA during Gerald R. Ford’s administration—was known to utilize this benefit.
These former intelligence officials were accused of engaging in partisan politics by dismissing the reports ahead of the 2020 election, while the actions against Bolton were tied to the publication of his memoir, which the Trump administration alleged posed “a severe risk” of revealing classified material.
Contributions to this report were made by Arjun Singh, Melanie Sun, and Zachary Stieber.