In a striking political move, President Donald Trump has withdrawn former President Joe Biden's access to daily intelligence briefings.
The Sun reported that President Trump cited past actions by Biden, including the 2021 decision to revoke his briefings, as the foundation for this retaliatory measure.
Donald Trump announced the decision on his Truth Social platform, criticizing Biden and declaring there was "no need" for him to maintain access to sensitive national security information.
He labeled Biden a "Democrat bumbler," intensifying the political drama that has followed their administrations.
Historically, former presidents have extended the courtesy of receiving intelligence briefings to stay informed on national security matters. This tradition aims to utilize their experience in supporting ongoing government projects and diplomatic efforts.
However, Joe Biden terminated this privilege for Trump in 2021, citing potential national security risks due to Trump's behavior surrounding the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. Trump's recent move appears to be a direct response, leveraging a similar rationale against Biden.
Trump's accusations extend beyond simple retaliation. He accused Biden and over forty former intelligence officials of interfering with the 2020 election results, describing their actions as "the greatest fraud in US history."
Further stirring controversy, Trump emphasized a Justice Department inquiry into Biden's handling of classified files during his tenure as Vice President. According to Trump, this made Biden untrustworthy with sensitive information.
A special counsel report into Biden's actions concluded he had indeed "wilfully retained and disclosed classified materials." Nevertheless, the former vice president faced no charges, primarily due to factors viewed as mitigating, like his advanced age and memory issues.
This narrative was supported by Robert Hur, who noted at trial Biden could argue he was a "sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory," a quote that focuses on Biden's state during the proceedings rather than any malintent.
Alongside internal measures, Trump signed an executive order targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC), claiming they threatened U.S. sovereignty by investigating American or allied actions. This decision imposes financial and visa restrictions on ICC associates.
In response, the ICC expressed its regrets over attempts to "undermine the court's independence, integrity, and impartiality," emphasizing the broader implications for international justice systems.
The executive order underscored an ongoing theme in Trump's administration of prioritizing American sovereignty and security, often at the expense of international diplomatic relations.
Experts suggest that Trump's revocation of Biden's intelligence access might ignite further partisan disputes in U.S. politics. This action sets a significant precedent, potentially altering how future administrations consider national security and intelligence sharing.
Moreover, this decision has broader implications. It affects the coordination and mutual trust necessary for transitional governance and may impact how the intelligence community approaches the handling of classified material post-presidency.