In a significant move, President Donald Trump has revoked former President Joe Biden's security clearances.
The Daily Caller reported that in response to past actions and current concerns, Trump ceased Biden's access to daily intelligence briefings and classified information.
Last Friday, President Trump used his Truth Social platform to announce the cessation of Biden’s security clearances. This action includes ending the former president’s daily intelligence briefings, traditionally offered to past presidents to maintain continuity in national security awareness.
Trump cited the precedent set by Biden himself in 2021 when Biden directed the Intelligence Community (IC) to withdraw security details from former President Trump. This action by Biden reportedly aimed to limit information access to those not in current governmental roles.
President Trump emphasized that Biden no longer requires access to classified information for any ongoing duties. This decision marks a significant pivot in the treatment of former presidents regarding matters of national security.
The justification provided by Trump for revoking Biden's clearances stemmed from the contents of the Hur Report. This document reportedly details Biden’s handling of classified information post-vice presidency, during his time as a private citizen.
The Hur Report alleged that Biden retained and improperly disclosed classified documents and notes, particularly concerning military and foreign policy matters related to Afghanistan. These actions have led to a broader scrutiny of Biden's ability to handle sensitive data securely.
During a related hearing, Biden acknowledged the importance of secure management of classified documents.
However, he admitted to difficulties with recalling details and a lack of awareness regarding certain documentation processes, which raised concerns about his reliability in handling sensitive information.
Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins School of Medicine professor, has publicly spoken about signs of cognitive decline in Biden. During an appearance on Fox News, Makary pointed out behaviors indicative of cognitive slowing, which were noticeable during Biden’s debate performances against Trump.
The mainstream media has often been criticized for not adequately addressing concerns about Biden's cognitive health. These concerns grew more prominent after the debates, where Biden’s performance seemed to contribute to suspicions about his mental fitness.
Despite these media debates, a senior administration official confirmed that steps to formally block Biden from accessing classified information are underway, aligning with Trump’s public declarations.
Trump’s statement on social media not only declared the end of Biden’s access but also asserted a commitment to national security.
He expressed that Biden, even in his prime, could not be considered reliable with sensitive information, emphasizing the perceived need to protect national interests.
"The Hur Report revealed that Biden suffers from 'poor memory' and, even in his 'prime,' could not be trusted with sensitive information," Trump wrote on social media. Such claims by Trump underscore the rationale behind this unprecedented administrative action against a former president.
Further, Trump’s poignant message on social media concluded with resolve and his classic campaign slogan, promoting his ongoing commitment to "Make America Great Again." This move might set a robust precedent concerning the handling of security clearances for future former presidents and their transition back to private citizenship.
The revocation of Biden's security clearances may signal a new era where former presidents might face stricter scrutiny post-tenure concerning access to sensitive national security information.
This decision, rooted in the actions and policies set by Biden himself according to Trump, illustrates a potentially evolving dynamic in how national security protocols are applied to past presidents.