Former President Donald Trump has taken decisive action by withdrawing security clearances from key figures who have been aligned with the current administration. According to White House officials, this measure targets Antony Blinken, the former Secretary of State, and Jake Sullivan, the former National Security Adviser—individuals who have consistently opposed Trump’s agenda.
This move follows an earlier announcement by Trump revoking his predecessor Joe Biden’s security clearance, thereby ending Biden’s daily access to sensitive intelligence briefings. In a further display of his commitment to national security and accountability, Trump also stripped security clearance from Lisa Monaco, Biden’s Deputy Attorney General, who was instrumental in orchestrating the Justice Department’s response to the events of January 6, 2021. Additionally, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg—both of whom have actively pursued legal challenges against Trump—have had their clearances removed.
While the immediate effects of these revocations are yet to unfold, they underscore a troubling trend of increasing division in Washington. Historically, former presidents have received ongoing intelligence briefings to offer counsel on national security and foreign policy. It is noteworthy that in 2021, Biden had reciprocated by revoking Trump’s clearance once he left office, highlighting a disturbing double standard.
In a similar vein, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently terminated both the personal security detail and security clearance for retired Army General Mark Milley—a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who served during part of Trump’s first term. Milley, who has since emerged as a prominent critic of Trump following his retirement in 2023 under the Biden administration, represents yet another example of how political considerations are increasingly influencing matters of national security. It is also significant that several of Biden’s diplomats had previously collaborated with officials from Trump’s team on key issues, including addressing Russia’s war in Ukraine, during the transition period before Biden took office.