US 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 action against political opponents.
The Republican president, who has also withdrawn the security clearance of former President Joe Biden, previously defeated Clinton in the 2016 presidential election and Harris in last year’s election.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,” Trump stated in a memorandum issued late on Friday, which also included former Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
While the decision may not have immediate consequences, it highlights the growing political divide in Washington as Trump takes steps against his critics.
The announcement came shortly after Trump arrived at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf property for the weekend.
Others affected by the decision include former Republican Representative Liz Cheney, a vocal critic of Trump, former Biden White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and Fiona Hill, a Russia expert who served on Trump’s National Security Council during his first term.
Washington-based national security lawyer Mark Zaid, known for representing whistleblowers, and former Republican lawmaker Adam Kinzinger, another outspoken Trump critic, were also among those who lost their security clearances.
Trump had previously revoked Biden’s security clearance, denying him the traditional access to US intelligence.
Former US presidents have typically received intelligence briefings to provide guidance to their successors on national security and foreign policy matters. In 2021, Biden withdrew Trump’s security clearance when he was a former president.
