Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked security clearances for several high-profile political figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in what appears to be his latest move against Democratic opponents.
In a late-night memorandum issued Friday, Trump stated, “I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information.” The list also included former Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The decision follows Trump’s earlier revocation of security clearance for former President Joe Biden, whom he defeated in the 2024 election. Trump also previously denied Biden the customary intelligence briefings traditionally extended to former presidents.
Political Fallout and Retaliation Accusations
While the revocations may not have immediate operational consequences, they further highlight the intensifying political divisions in Washington. Trump’s move is widely seen as an act of retribution against his critics and political rivals.
Among those targeted are prominent Trump critics, including former Republican Representative Liz Cheney, ex-Biden White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and Fiona Hill, a Russia expert who previously served on Trump’s National Security Council.
Other figures whose clearances were revoked include national security lawyer Mark Zaid, known for representing whistleblowers, and former Republican lawmaker Adam Kinzinger, who had been vocal in his opposition to Trump.
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The announcement came shortly after Trump arrived at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf resort for the weekend.
Shift in Tradition
Historically, former U.S. presidents have been granted access to intelligence briefings, allowing them to provide counsel on national security matters. However, in 2021, then-President Joe Biden revoked Trump’s access to classified intelligence, citing concerns about how he might use the information.
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Trump’s decision to strip security clearances from multiple figures—both Democratic and Republican—signals a continued shake-up in Washington’s political landscape as he consolidates control over intelligence access.
