Former President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is revoking former President Joe Biden’s security clearances and access to daily intelligence briefings
The announcement came via a post on Truth Social, where Trump explained his decision by stating he did not trust his predecessor with such sensitive information.
Trump, 78, framed his decision as a response to a precedent set by Biden in 2021, when Biden blocked Trump from receiving intelligence briefings after he took office. Trump, in his post, argued that Biden’s actions four years ago, which were based on claims of Trump’s “erratic behavior,” justified revoking Biden’s access.
“There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information,” Trump wrote.
He continued, “He set this precedent in 2021 when he instructed the Intelligence Community (IC) to stop the 45th President of the United States (ME!) from accessing details on National Security.”
In comments to The Post, Trump further clarified his stance, saying: “Because I don’t trust him. He’s not worthy of trust … To safeguard national security.”
Typically, former U.S. presidents retain access to classified material, especially intelligence briefings, as a courtesy and for continuity of national security.
This allows for consultations with former presidents, should the sitting president seek their advice on critical matters. However, Biden denied Trump such access following the January 6 Capitol riot, citing concerns over Trump’s stability and impact on national security.
Biden, 82, had explained his decision to CBS News in February 2021, suggesting that Trump should not have access to classified information due to his “erratic behavior unrelated to the insurrection.”
As of now, this revocation marks a significant shift, as Trump takes the lead in denying his predecessor access to what has traditionally been granted to former U.S. leaders.
