U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he is revoking former President Joe Biden’s access to government secrets and ending his daily intelligence briefings. Trump made the announcement on Friday, Feb. 7, through a post on his social media platform, shortly after arriving at his Mar-a-Lago home and private club in Palm Beach for the weekend.
“There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information. Therefore, we are immediately revoking Joe Biden’s Security Clearances, and stopping his daily Intelligence Briefings,” Trump wrote. “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, a courtesy provided to former Presidents.”
Trump referenced the special counsel report on Biden’s handling of classified documents, stating, “The Hur Report revealed that Biden suffers from ‘poor memory’ and, even in his ‘prime,’ could not be trusted with sensitive information.”
He concluded his statement with a bold remark: “I will always protect our National Security — JOE, YOU’RE FIRED. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Trump has previously revoked security clearances for more than four dozen former intelligence officials who signed a 2020 letter suggesting the Hunter Biden laptop scandal bore the hallmarks of a “Russian information operation.” Additionally, he has withdrawn security details from former officials who criticized him, including ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who faces threats from Iran, and former infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Biden has not yet commented on the decision. Biden had previously revoked Trump’s access to intelligence briefings in 2021, citing concerns over his “erratic” behavior following the January 6 Capitol riot. When asked by CBS News about his reasoning, Biden explained, “I just think that there is no need for him to have the intelligence briefings… What impact does he have at all, other than the fact he might slip and say something?”
In 2022, federal agents searched Trump’s Florida residence and seized classified documents. He was later indicted on felony charges related to the mishandling of classified records and obstruction of justice. Trump pleaded not guilty, and a judge eventually dismissed the charges, ruling that the special counsel had been illegally appointed. The Justice Department abandoned its appeals after Trump’s victory in the November election.
