Trump Revokes Biden’s Access to Classified Information in Latest Move of Presidential Tit-for-Tat

President Donald Trump made headlines on Friday when he announced that he would be revoking former President Joe Biden’s access to classified information and halting the daily intelligence briefings Biden had been receiving. The move, which Trump revealed in a post on his social media platform, is framed as an act of retaliation for a similar decision Biden made in 2021. At the time, Biden had instructed the Intelligence Community to stop providing Trump with national security updates, citing concerns over Trump’s behavior and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump, who had arrived at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach for the weekend, wrote: “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 added that Biden had set the precedent for such an action, and now it was his turn to reciprocate.

A History of Retaliation: Trump’s Vengeance Tour Continues

This decision is the latest in a series of actions Trump has taken to target political opponents and critics, many of whom have faced the consequences of his vendetta. In 2020, for instance, more than four dozen former intelligence officials who signed a letter suggesting that the Hunter Biden laptop scandal might be a Russian disinformation operation had their security clearances revoked. Trump has also stripped security details from high-profile individuals who have criticized him, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who faces threats from Iran, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s former top infectious disease expert. These moves reflect Trump’s broader campaign promise to exact revenge on those he perceives as enemies, both within Washington and beyond.

Biden, for his part, has not yet publicly responded to Trump’s announcement. However, the roots of this conflict stretch back to 2021, when Biden decided to cut off Trump’s access to intelligence briefings. At the time, Biden expressed concerns about Trump’s “erratic” behavior, particularly in the wake of the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, which many viewed as a direct consequence of Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Biden questioned the value of providing Trump with such sensitive information, arguing that it served no practical purpose and could even pose a risk if Trump were to inadvertently—or intentionally—reveal classified details.

The Legal and Procedural Context: Who Has the Right to Classified Information?

While the decision to revoke a former president’s access to classified information is not unprecedented, it is a rare and significant move. The President of the United States has the authority to determine whether a former president should continue to receive intelligence briefings or maintain their security clearance. This discretion is typically exercised with careful consideration, as it involves balancing national security concerns with the courtesy traditionally extended to former heads of state. Trump has leaned heavily into this authority, using it as a tool to assert dominance and settle scores.

In addition to targeting Biden, Trump’s administration has also taken aim at other figures connected to the handling of classified documents. For instance, Trump recently dismissed Colleen Shogan, the archivist of the United States, from her position. Shogan, the first woman to hold the role, was not directly involved in the controversy surrounding Trump’s handling of classified records, which has been a major point of contention throughout his post-presidency. The National Archives and Records Administration had previously informed the Justice Department about issues with Trump’s storage of sensitive materials, leading to a federal investigation and the seizure of classified documents from his Mar-a-Lago estate in 2022. While charges against Trump were eventually dismissed on procedural grounds, the incident has left a lasting mark on the debate over how classified information is handled—and who should have access to it.

The Broader Implications: National Security and the Norms of Presidential Conduct

The feud between Trump and Biden highlights a deeper tension in American politics, one that raises important questions about national security, the norms of presidential conduct, and the role of classified information in a democracy. On one hand, Trump’s decision to revoke Biden’s access to intelligence briefings can be seen as a calculated political maneuver, designed to undermine his predecessor’s standing and credibility. On the other hand, it also reflects a growing trend of weaponizing national security tools for personal or partisan gain, a practice that has concerned experts and ethicists alike.

Ultimately, the tit-for-tat between Trump and Biden serves as a reminder of the fragile state of American democracy and the dangers of allowing personal vendettas to shape policy decisions. While Trump’s supporters may applaud his willingness to take bold action, critics argue that such moves erode the institutions that underpin the nation’s security and stability. As the 2024 election approaches, the clash between these two leaders—and the broader conflicts it represents—will likely continue to dominate the national conversation, with significant implications for the future of American governance.

The Ongoing Feud: A Reflection of Larger Political Divide

The latest salvo in the Trump-Biden feud is just one chapter in a long-standing saga that shows no signs of abating. Trump’s announcement was accompanied by his signature bravado, as he declared, “I will always protect our National Security—JOE, YOU’RE FIRED. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” For many, this kind of language encapsulates the divisive tone that has come to define so much of Trump’s political career. At the same time, it underscores the deep-seated animosity between two men who represent fundamentally different visions for America’s future.

As the rivalry between Trump and Biden continues to unfold, it raises profound questions about the role of leadership, the importance of maintaining norms and traditions, and the challenges of navigating a hyper-partisan political landscape. Whether the decision to revoke Biden’s access to classified information proves to be a symbolic gesture or a substantive shift in policy, it is clear that the fallout will be closely watched by scholars, journalists, and voters alike. For now, the central takeaway is that the highly personal and deeply contentious nature of this conflict reflects a broader dysfunction in American politics—one that may take years, if not decades, to resolve.