U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly issued a directive to strip former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of their government security clearance. The three individuals are considered among Trump's most prominent rivals.
On the 21st (local time), The New York Times (NYT) noted, "Trump's 'revenge tour' continues," and stated, "When you combine the list of names (who have had their security clearance revoked), it reads like an enemy list."
Former U.S. presidents maintain security clearance related to their terms even after leaving office. They can also receive security briefings as a matter of courtesy.
However, last month, Trump announced via social media platform Truth Social that he would revoke former President Biden's security clearance and halt security briefings.
Former President Biden also halted security briefings for his predecessor, Trump, shortly after taking office.
Additionally, Trump revoked security clearance from New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who have charged him with fraud.
The list also includes Fiona Hill, a former senior director for Europe and Russia at the National Security Council (NSC) who provided unfavorable testimony during Trump's impeachment in 2019, as well as Alexander Vindman, a former lieutenant colonel, attorney Norman Eisen, and former Republican lawmakers Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger.
Included are former Secretary of State Tony Blinken and former White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan from the Biden administration.
Trump is also canceling the security details provided by the Secret Service (SS) for individuals he holds in disdain. Security for John Bolton, Trump’s former National Security Advisor from his first term, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has been withdrawn. Recently, security for Biden's children, Ashley and Hunter, has also been canceled.