Trump denies Biden’s security clearance as revenge: What is it and how will it affect US politics
He acts back: Withholds security clearance for Biden
Former US president Donald Trump declared dramatically on Friday that he is rescinding President Joe Biden’s security clearance and will no longer allow him to receive daily intelligence briefings. The act was a direct retaliatory measure against a 2021 decision in which Biden blocked Trump from viewing classified information following his departure from the presidency.
“This was the best word of the day, a very nice statement,” Trump said in a statement published on social media shortly after he arrived at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
“There is no reason Joe Biden should be given access to classified information. Thus, we are revoking Joe Biden’s security clearances today and his daily intelligence briefings as well.”
Why Did Trump Revoke Biden’s Security Clearance
In 2021, barely months into his office, President Biden removed Trump’s intelligence briefings on security grounds. It had always been a rule and, in the past, precedence granted former presidents access to such information; however, the current Biden administration gave their reason for this action that Trump’s activities threatened national security. Trump now followed the same pathway, and, based on the same ideology, denied Biden his access. What do the implications mean.
- Presidential powers: Can a former president lawfully revoke the security clearance of a sitting president? Does this action impede Biden from doing his job effectively in his intelligence work? Is this an actual security move or just a political power play.
While there has been huge discussion about the decision of Trump throughout the country, there is no legal precedence for a president to revoke a clearance from a sitting president. Security clearances in the country are generally under the hands of the sitting administration. Experts barely believe it is within the power of a Trump to force such a clause.
This move by Trump to revoke Joe Biden’s security clearance marks yet another notch in his continuing rivalry with the latter. Whether this stand is bound to be a law able case or just some soothing “symbolic gesture,” it speaks so fervently of the deep actualization of political divisions shaping modern U.S. governance.
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