They definitely didn’t expect this!
In a major decision impacting several well-known political figures, President Donald Trump has removed the security clearances of people he says no longer serve the national interest. This includes current and former officials such as Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, and Liz Cheney.
Revoking Access to Classified Information
According to a memorandum released by the White House, a number of individuals will no longer have access to sensitive or classified U.S. government information. The list includes Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and others with key roles in prior administrations. The memo also mentions names like Lisa Monaco, Norman Eisen, Mark Zaid, Alvin Bragg, Letitia James, Alexander Vindman, and Fiona Hill, as well as multiple members of the Biden family.
“I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for these individuals to access classified information,” the memo reads.
This move follows a previous announcement from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who confirmed that the clearances of several individuals had already been rescinded. She specifically pointed out those who signed the 2020 Hunter Biden laptop letter, which was labeled at the time as possible “disinformation” but later proven to be authentic.
Ending Intelligence Briefings for Former Officials
President Trump has also halted the President’s Daily Brief for former President Joe Biden. While it is customary for past presidents to occasionally receive intelligence updates, Trump has opted to discontinue this access based on what he describes as national security priorities.
Additionally, those listed in the memo have reportedly lost their unescorted access to secure government facilities—a move signaling the administration’s effort to tighten control over classified environments.
Reactions from Those Affected
Some of those named in the memo responded on social media, with several attempting to minimize the impact. Legal activist Mark Zaid and political commentator Norman Eisen both claimed this isn’t the first time their clearances were revoked. Meanwhile, Adam Kinzinger posted a video referencing his military retirement and dismissing the announcement.
Despite the reactions, the broader implication is clear: access to sensitive national security data is being reevaluated and restricted for those no longer in active service or aligned with current national security objectives.
Secret Service Protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden Ends
In a separate but related development, Trump also announced that Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection.
“For quite some time, Hunter Biden has been receiving Secret Service protection, all funded by American taxpayers,” Trump shared on Truth Social. “Reports say up to 18 agents have been assigned to him—which is outrageous. Ashley Biden, who has 13 agents, will also have her protection ended.”
Under U.S. law, former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection. However, protection for adult children ends when their parent leaves office—unless extended. Both Trump and Biden had previously authorized temporary extensions for their children, but Trump has now reversed that decision for the Biden family.
Putting National Security First
President Trump’s actions reflect a broader strategy to restore trust in U.S. intelligence and national security protocols. With classified information playing a major role in international affairs and domestic safety, this decision is being viewed by supporters as a strong step toward protecting the interests of the American people—and reducing unnecessary taxpayer expenses.
