Order Targets Political Rivals, Former Officials, and Legal Opponents
President Donald Trump has officially revoked security clearances for former Democratic presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton, along with several other critics and former officials. The move, formalized in a presidential memorandum, expands on a decision Trump announced in February to strip his predecessor, Joe Biden, of access to classified information.
“I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information,” Trump’s memo stated. The order also extends to “any other member” of the Biden family.
Access to Classified Briefings and Secure Facilities Cut Off
The directive instructs federal departments and agencies to revoke “unescorted access to secure United States government facilities” for those listed, including access to classified briefings like the President’s Daily Brief and intelligence shared by government agencies.
While the revocation may be largely symbolic for some, it could still restrict access to classified material and secure buildings. For certain attorneys and former officials, the loss may pose practical barriers to reviewing sensitive information in legal proceedings.
List Includes Top Biden Officials and Republican Critics
Trump’s list targets key figures from the Biden administration:
- Secretary of State Antony Blinken
- National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan
- Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco
Two former Trump administration officials, Fiona Hill and Alexander Vindman—both of whom testified in Trump’s first impeachment trial—also lost clearance.
Republican critics weren’t spared. Former Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, the only two Republicans to join the House investigation into Trump’s role in the January 6 Capitol riot, were included. Both also voted to impeach Trump during his second trial. The Senate later acquitted him.
Legal Adversaries Among the Revoked
Trump also revoked clearances for prominent legal figures who have challenged him in court. New York Attorney General Letitia James, who led a civil fraud case resulting in hundreds of millions in penalties against Trump, was included. Trump is appealing that decision.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who secured a conviction in Trump’s hush money case, also lost clearance.
Other legal figures on the list include:
- Norm Eisen, an attorney behind several lawsuits against Trump-era policies
- Andrew Weissmann, a former federal prosecutor and media commentator
- Whistleblower attorney Mark Zaid
Zaid said he had not received formal notice despite being told multiple times his clearance was revoked. He warned the move could harm federal employees who rely on his expertise.
Critics Respond: “Symbolic and Petty”
Some of those targeted responded publicly.
“I don’t care what noises Donald Trump makes about a security clearance that hasn’t been active for five years,” Vindman wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Norm Eisen replied, “Just makes me file even more lawsuits!”
Trump Cites Biden’s 2021 Decision as Precedent
Trump defended the move by pointing to Biden’s 2021 decision to block him from receiving intelligence briefings, citing “erratic behavior.” Trump argued that Biden “set this precedent” by denying him access after leaving office.
Previously, Trump had also revoked clearances from over four dozen former intelligence officials, accusing them—without evidence—of interfering in the 2020 election.
Classified Document Investigations Cast a Shadow
Both Biden and Trump have faced scrutiny over classified documents. A 2024 special counsel report found Biden improperly retained documents from his time as vice president but noted that he cooperated with investigators.
Trump was indicted in 2023 over alleged mishandling of classified documents and obstruction. He pleaded not guilty, and the case was dismissed in mid-2024 by a federal judge. Special prosecutor Jack Smith officially dropped the charges in December, after Trump won re-election.
