Trump Admin Cancels Biden’s Security Clearance, Ends Intelligence Briefings
In a surprise move, the administration of President Donald Trump has announced the cancellation of former Vice President Joe Biden’s security clearance and the end of Intelligence Community briefings for erstwhile political figures.
The decision, which was met with widespread criticism, comes as a shock to many in the political sphere and intelligence community. Biden, who served as Vice President from 2009 to 2017, was a key Adviser and confidant to President Barack Obama during his eight-year tenure in office.
According to sources, on Tuesday, the White House announced that Biden’s security clearance, which had previously been suspended, would be officially revoked due to his repeated criticism of the Trump administration’s policies and decisions. "The President has lost confidence in Mr. Biden due to his continued negative rhetoric and attacks on the administration," a senior official said.
Furthermore, the White House announced that all Intelligence Community briefings, which Biden had received as a courtesy to his former role, would also cease to exist. The briefings, which were typically delivered by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), were intended to provide the former Vice President with access to classified information and threat assessments to aid in his decision-making.
The decision has sparked outrage among Democrats, with many deeming it a clear attempt to silence and undermine the former Vice President. "This is a desperate and petty move by the Trump administration to stifle political dissent and critics of their policies," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). "Biden has served this country honorably and earned the right to receive intelligence briefings as a matter of national security and tradition."
The move has also prompted concern among intelligence community officials, with many worrying that the cancellation of the briefings will compromise national security and harm the United States’ ability to gather and analyze intelligence.
As news of the decision spread, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a close ally of President Trump, backed the administration’s move. "It’s only logical that the President would revoke the clearance of someone who continues to attack and undermine his administration. It’s a matter of national security and unitary executive authority," he stated.
As the controversy surrounding the decision continues to unfold, many are left wondering what the long-term consequences will be for the US intelligence community and national security.
