Former U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked security clearances for current Secretary of State Antony Blinken and seven other Biden administration officials, escalating tensions ahead of the 2024 election cycle. The move, first reported by The New York Post, bars affected individuals from accessing classified information or federal facilities.
Why It Matters
Trump cited Biden's 2021 decision to block his post-presidency intelligence briefings as precedent, telling reporters: \"Bad guy. Take away his passes.\" Targeted officials include Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Attorney General Letitia James—both involved in ongoing investigations against Trump.
Political Chess Match
The list of revoked clearances notably features national security figures like Jake Sullivan, Biden's current security adviser. Analysts suggest this reflects heightened partisan battles over intelligence access, with Trump framing it as retaliation: \"Biden set this precedent first when he weaponized security protocols.\"
Historical Context
Since 1977, former U.S. presidents typically retain security clearance access as a courtesy. Biden broke tradition in 2021, citing Trump's \"erratic behavior\" post-Capitol riots. Friday's revocations signal a new escalation in using bureaucratic tools for political combat.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
