US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is revoking former US President Joe Biden’s access to classified information. Additionally, he is ending Biden’s daily intelligence briefings. This action follows Biden’s decision in 2021 to stop providing Trump with similar access.

Trump’s Statement on Social Media

Trump made his decision public via his social media platform. He stated, “There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information. Therefore, we are immediately revoking Joe Biden’s Security Clearances, and stopping his daily Intelligence Briefings.” He also pointed out, “He set this precedent in 2021 when he instructed the Intelligence Community to stop the 45th President of the United States (ME!) from accessing details on National Security.”

Trump’s Retaliation Against Critics

This move is part of Trump’s broader efforts to retaliate against his critics. In the past, he revoked security clearances from over forty former intelligence officials who signed a letter about the Hunter Biden laptop story. Furthermore, he removed security protection for former officials, including Mike Pompeo and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who have been outspoken critics of his administration.

Biden’s Previous Decision

Biden had previously ended Trump’s intelligence briefings in 2021 after Trump’s involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. At the time, Biden cited Trump’s “erratic” behavior as the primary reason for halting the briefings.

Biden’s Comments on Intelligence Briefings

When questioned about his decision, Biden explained, “What value is giving him an intelligence briefing? What impact does he have at all, other than the fact he might slip and say something?” While Biden refrained from speculating on any potential threats, he firmly believed that Trump should not have access to sensitive information.

Trump's Previous Legal Issues with Classified Documents

In 2022, federal agents conducted a search of Trump’s Florida home and seized classified documents. Trump is facing felony charges related to the mishandling of these records. However, after Trump’s election in November, a judge dismissed the charges, ruling that the special counsel who brought the case had been illegally appointed.

Trump’s Other Actions: Dismissing Colleen Shogan

In addition to revoking Biden’s security clearances, Trump dismissed Colleen Shogan as the U.S. archivist. This move followed the National Archives’ notification to the Justice Department about Trump’s handling of classified documents. Previously, Trump had expressed his frustration with the agency for reporting the issue.

Special Counsel Report on Biden

Trump referred to the report from Special Counsel Robert Hur on Biden’s handling of classified documents. The report criticized Biden’s memory, describing it as “poor” and “faulty.” Despite this, the investigation concluded that no criminal charges were necessary.

Trump’s Authority to End Briefings

As president, Trump holds the authority to revoke Biden’s intelligence briefings. The decision of whether a former president should maintain access to classified information lies solely with the sitting president.

Trump's Final Statement

Trump concluded his social media post by declaring, “I will always protect our National Security — JOE, YOU’RE FIRED. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Trump’s Communications Director Responds

In response, Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, shared the post on X (formerly Twitter). He added, “Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more!”