President Donald Trump pulls security clearances for Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton
n a move that has sent ripples through the political landscape, President Donald Trump issued a memorandum on March 21, 2025, revoking the security clearances of several prominent figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. This action extends to other notable individuals such as former President Joe Biden and his family, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and former Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. The memorandum also targets Republicans Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, both vocal critics of Trump, as well as legal figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who have been involved in legal proceedings against the former president. The White House+6Time+6CBS News+6Reuters+3New York Post+3Time+3
The memorandum states: “I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information,” listing the aforementioned names among others. It further directs executive departments and agencies to “take all additional action as necessary and consistent with existing law to revoke any active security clearances held by the aforementioned individuals and to immediately rescind their access to classified information.” Time+3ABC7 Los Angeles+3Reuters+3New York Post+2The White House+2Time+2
Traditionally, former presidents and senior officials retain access to classified information to provide advisory support to current administrations. However, this move marks a significant departure from that norm, reflecting the deepening political divisions in Washington. Notably, in 2021, President Biden had revoked Trump’s access to intelligence briefings, citing concerns about his behavior. Reuters+2New York Post+2ABC7 Los Angeles+2
The revocation of security clearances is not unprecedented in Trump’s political career. During his first term, in August 2018, he revoked the clearance of former CIA Director John Brennan, citing Brennan’s “erratic” behavior and “increasingly frenzied commentary.” Critics at the time viewed this as retaliation for Brennan’s outspoken criticism of Trump. Wikipedia
This latest action has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Marc Elias, chair of the Elias Law Group, which has been involved in lawsuits against the Trump administration, responded strongly to a White House memo targeting his firm and others. He stated that they would not negotiate with the White House about their clients or legal actions, accusing Trump of attempting to dismantle the constitution and silence opposition. Business Insider
Legal experts have raised concerns about the implications of this move. Revoking security clearances can be seen as a means to suppress dissent and intimidate political opponents. Such actions may set a concerning precedent where security clearances are weaponized for political purposes, undermining the apolitical nature of national security protocols.
The individuals affected by this memorandum have been prominent figures in various investigations and criticisms of Trump’s actions. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, for instance, were key members of the House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Letitia James and Alvin Bragg have been involved in legal cases against Trump, including investigations into his business practices. By revoking their security clearances, Trump appears to be targeting those he perceives as adversaries.San Francisco Chronicle+6Time+6DIE WELT+6Time+3San Francisco Chronicle+3New York Post+3Wikipedia
This development has also sparked discussions about the balance between national security and political retribution. While the president has the authority to grant or revoke security clearances, using this power against political opponents raises ethical and legal questions. It underscores the need for clear guidelines to prevent the misuse of such authority for personal or political vendettas.
In conclusion, President Trump’s decision to revoke the security clearances of Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, and other prominent figures marks a significant escalation in the partisan battles that have characterized recent years. As the political climate continues to be fraught with tension, actions like these highlight the challenges facing democratic institutions and the principles of fair governance. The long-term implications of this move remain to be seen, but it undoubtedly sets a contentious precedent for the use of presidential powers in the realm of national security.
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