In a dramatic and unexpected move that has ignited intense debate nationwide, Donald Trump has stripped President Joe Biden of a privilege historically granted to former presidents: access to national security briefings.
The unilateral decision, dominated by distrust and political overtones, appears to be more than a procedural update—it’s being viewed by many as a deliberate effort to undercut the influence of the previous administration.
A Privilege Withdrawn
Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he is revoking Joe Biden’s access to classified intelligence, asserting that Biden “cannot be trusted.” He quipped, “There’s no reason for Joe Biden to keep receiving classified intelligence. JOE, YOU’RE FIRED,” echoing his now-iconic The Apprentice catchphrase.
This maneuver is widely interpreted as payback. In 2021, Biden had made the unprecedented decision to withhold national security briefings from Trump after he left office—breaking from tradition. Trump maintains that Biden’s move broke a long-standing precedent and that removing Biden now is merely reversing that choice.
Security Concerns and Political Undertones
Trump has emphasized that Biden’s removal from intelligence briefings is a national security issue. He points to investigations into Biden’s handling of sensitive documents and questions surrounding his memory, citing elements from the “Hur Report” to claim Biden was never fully suited to handle classified information.
Biden has defended his earlier decision, saying he acted out of concern over Trump’s unpredictable behavior and possible leaks, suggesting that Trump’s temperament made routine briefings potentially risky.
Beyond Biden: A Broader Purge
This action extends well beyond Biden. Trump has also revoked security clearances for several former national security officials, including past CIA directors. He accuses them of meddling in the 2020 election on Biden’s behalf.
One high-profile target is General Mark Milley, who has been openly critical of Trump. Trump’s supporters are now calling on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to review Milley’s actions and possibly reexamine his military standing.
The revocation list even includes Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Biden administration’s lead medical advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic—further signaling Trump’s intent to dismantle ties to figures prominent during Biden’s tenure.
What This Means for Presidential Norms
Trump defends the moves as “completely standard” and essential for national security, framing them as part of a wider reform of federal operations. Critics, however, argue that this breaks with historical precedent and injects partisanship into what should be nonpolitical norms.
The debate over whether this constitutes necessary vigilance or political retribution comes at a fraught time, just ahead of the 2024 presidential race. By stripping Biden—and others—of these privileges, Trump is sending a message that his presidency will break sharply from established practice.
Conclusion
The decision to revoke Joe Biden’s security clearance and intelligence access marks a significant departure from past traditions. Whether viewed as a justified security measure or partisan retaliation, Trump’s actions underscore the deepening political divisions in the U.S., raising pressing questions about the nature of presidential power, accountability, and the boundaries of bipartisan cooperation. As America hurtles toward another contentious election season, the ripples from this move are likely to be felt far and wide.