President Trump Cancels Security Clearances for Notable Political Leaders
Former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are among those impacted.
President Donald Trump has released a memorandum that cancels the security clearances of several prominent political figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
This revocation also affects additional individuals such as former President Joe Biden and his family, former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Representatives Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
The memorandum, issued late Friday, asserts that granting these individuals access to classified information is no longer in the national interest.
Typically, former presidents and high-ranking officials maintain their security clearances to advise on national security issues.
This action marks a notable shift from established practices.
The revocations include access to secure government facilities as well.
This decision follows a similar move in 2021 when President Biden prohibited Trump from receiving intelligence briefings, citing concerns regarding his conduct.
The current revocations have sparked discussions about the possible ramifications for those impacted and the precedent it establishes for future administrations.