Since Joe Biden “could not be trusted,” Donald Trump has revoked a privilege that former presidents have historically enjoyed. His decision marks a break from tradition as he moves to reshape policies from the previous administration and introduce what he describes as “America’s golden age.”
Trump has rescinded Biden’s security clearance and access to daily intelligence briefings, claiming the former president cannot be trusted with sensitive information. On his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information.” He further emphasized his stance with a familiar phrase from his time on The Apprentice, writing, “JOE, YOU’RE FIRED.” Recently, he has been using the phrase frequently as he continues to remove former Biden administration officials from government positions.
Trump’s decision comes after he accused Biden of first denying him intelligence briefings during the 2021 transition. He argued that Biden had already set a precedent by instructing the Intelligence Community (IC) to prevent him, as the 45th president, from receiving national security updates.
Citing an investigation into Biden’s handling of confidential files, Trump questioned the former president’s cognitive abilities, referencing the Hur Report, which suggested Biden suffered from memory problems. He wrote, “The Hur Report revealed that Biden suffers from ‘poor memory’ and, even in his ‘prime,’ could not be trusted with sensitive information. I will always protect our National Security.”
Former presidents are traditionally granted access to classified briefings as a courtesy, but Biden previously refused to extend this to Trump in 2021. At the time, Biden cited Trump’s “erratic behavior” as the primary reason, questioning the necessity of providing him with intelligence updates. “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?” Biden said at the time.
