Washington (February 9, 2025: In a sweeping move, U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked the security clearances of several top officials from the Biden administration, including former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, White House officials confirmed Saturday.
The decision follows Trump’s earlier announcement that he had revoked security clearance for his predecessor, Joe Biden, effectively blocking his access to intelligence briefings. The move also extends to former Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who played a key role in the Justice Department’s response to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, as well as New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg—both of whom led legal cases against Trump.
While former presidents have traditionally retained access to intelligence briefings, Biden had previously revoked Trump’s security clearance in 2021. The latest decision is seen as deepening political divisions in Washington, with implications for national security and foreign policy transitions.
The move also follows a similar decision last month when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth withdrew security clearance and personal security detail from retired General Mark Milley, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and vocal Trump critic.
As tensions rise, the revocation of clearances signals a broader shift in Washington’s power dynamics under Trump’s leadership.
Source: Reuters
