President Donald Trump on Friday announced he is revoking former President Joe Biden's access to classified intelligence, citing security concerns and referencing a precedent Biden set in 2021 when he barred Trump from receiving intelligence briefings after leaving office. The move marks a rare escalation in the political rivalry between the two leaders as they prepare for a potential rematch in the 2024 election.
"There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Therefore, we are immediately revoking Joe Biden's Security Clearances and stopping his daily Intelligence Briefings."
The announcement, while politically symbolic, raises questions about its practical impact. Former presidents do not typically retain security clearances after leaving office, as they have no formal role in handling classified information. Intelligence briefings for ex-presidents are usually granted as a courtesy and at the discretion of the sitting president. Trump's move suggests he intends to withhold such access should he return to the White House.
Trump justified his decision by pointing to Biden's actions in 2021, when the president directed the intelligence community to deny Trump's access to classified information, citing concerns about his "erratic behavior" following the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
"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 wrote.
Biden's decision to cut Trump off from classified briefings was unprecedented and came amid concerns that Trump, who refused to acknowledge the results of the 2020 election, could misuse sensitive intelligence. In an interview at the time, Biden stated, "What value is giving him an intelligence briefing? What impact does he have at all, other than to potentially say something and slip?"
Trump also cited the findings of special counsel Robert Hur's 2024 report on Biden's handling of classified documents. While the report did not recommend criminal charges, it described Biden as having a "poor memory" and questioned his ability to safeguard sensitive intelligence.
"The Hur Report revealed that Biden suffers from 'poor memory' and, even in his 'prime,' could not be trusted with sensitive information," Trump wrote. "I will always protect our National Security-JOE, YOU'RE FIRED. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
A spokesperson for Biden declined to comment on Trump's announcement.
