US President Donald Trump announced the revocation of Joe Biden's security clearance and access to daily intelligence briefings, mirroring the action Biden took against him four years ago.
Trump stated on his Truth Social platform, "There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information," adding "JOE, YOU'RE FIRED," in a nod to his catchphrase from The Apprentice.
Since accusing more than four dozen former intelligence officials of meddling in the 2020 election in Biden's favor, Trump has revoked their security clearances.
In response to Biden's actions in 2021, preventing him from accessing National Security details, Trump mentioned the precedent set and criticized Biden's memory lapses regarding significant life events.
Biden, who denied such characterizations, did not immediately respond to Trump's recent move. In a first-time denial of classified intelligence to an ex-president, Biden justified it by questioning Trump's trustworthiness due to his "erratic behavior" and the Capitol riot.
Trump faced legal issues in 2022 related to classified files found in his Florida home, which were eventually dropped. Upon resuming office, Trump targeted officials from the Biden administration, such as Mark Milley and Anthony Fauci, revoking their security clearances and protections.
Trump emphasized the necessity of such actions, stating that it is standard practice and aiming to limit lifetime security protection for former government employees. He also discontinued security protection for his own staff, including Mike Pompeo and John Bolton.
Despite controversies surrounding data found on a computer, Trump's actions were deemed legitimate.