Trump Shuts Down Biden’s Security Access, Citing Precedent And Intelligence Risks
President Donald Trump has revoked Joe Biden’s security clearance, cutting off the former president’s access to intelligence briefings. Trump cited Biden’s own actions from 2021, as well as concerns about his cognitive state, as reasons for the decision.
In a Truth Social post, Trump announced that Biden’s access to classified information would be “immediately revoked.” He referenced Biden’s 2021 decision to bar him from intelligence briefings and stated that he was now applying the same standard to his predecessor.
Trump’s decision comes as Biden faces growing concerns over his mental fitness. A recent report from Special Counsel Robert Hur described Biden’s memory as “hazy,” “faulty,” and “poor.” Hur determined that Biden had mishandled classified documents but declined to press charges, arguing that Biden would likely be seen as a sympathetic elderly man with memory issues.
Biden originally blocked Trump from intelligence briefings in early 2021, telling CBS News that Trump posed a risk due to his “erratic behavior.” At the time, Biden questioned what value Trump’s intelligence access provided, suggesting that Trump “might slip and say something.”
In addition to Biden’s clearance, Trump has taken action against former intelligence officials. His administration has revoked security clearances from numerous former operatives who previously dismissed the Hunter Biden laptop controversy as a “Russian disinformation” effort.
Biden has not responded to Trump’s move, and the White House has not issued a statement addressing the revocation. Intelligence briefings for former presidents have historically been a courtesy, but Trump’s decision signals a shift in how security access is handled post-presidency.
