Trump revokes security clearances for Biden Harris, Clinton, other political foes
The move is another sign of the growing political rift in Washington as Trump seeks revenge on his perceived enemies
US President Donald Trump made good Friday on a threat to revoke the security clearances of his predecessor Joe Biden and several senior former White House and national security officials.
The list of names stripped of their authorisation to view state secrets included Biden, his family members, and former vice-president and Trump presidential rival Kamala Harris.
Former Secretary of State and defeated presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was on the list, along with Biden’s Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
In a memorandum to agency heads and distributed by the White House communications office, Trump said the named officials should no longer be allowed access to classified material.
“I hereby direct every executive department and agency head … to revoke any active security clearances held by the aforementioned individuals,” Trump said.
While the revocations may not have immediate effects, it is another sign of the growing political rift in Washington as Trump seeks revenge on his perceived enemies.
Former US presidents and national security officials traditionally retain a security clearance as a courtesy, and some find it useful in seeking employment with private contractors.