U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked security clearances for former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and several others in his latest actions against Democratic rivals.
The Republican president, who has also stripped former President Joe Biden of his security clearance, triumphed over Ms. Clinton in the 2016 presidential election and Ms. Harris in last year’s election.
“I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information,” Mr. Trump stated late last night in a memorandum that also affected former Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Although the revocations may not have immediate effects, they signify the escalating political divide in Washington as Mr. Trump seeks retribution against those he views as adversaries.
Additionally, Mr. Trump targeted Republican former Representative Liz Cheney, a vocal critic, along with former Biden White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Fiona Hill, a Russia expert who was part of his National Security Council during his initial term.
Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken also had his security clearance revoked.
Mark Zaid, a national security attorney in Washington representing whistleblowers, and Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican lawmaker known for his criticism of Trump, were among several others who also had their security clearances annulled.
He previously revoked the security clearance for Mr. Biden, depriving the former president of the customary access to U.S. intelligence.
Traditionally, former U.S. presidents receive intelligence briefings to aid incumbent presidents in matters of national security and foreign policy.
In 2021, Mr. Biden rescinded the security clearance for Mr. Trump, who was then a former president.
