In a significant political move, U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked the security clearances of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Reuters confirmed the development on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Clinton was Trump’s rival in the 2016 presidential election, while Harris also ran against him in the last election. Trump, having defeated both in his two terms, justified his decision by stating that, in the interest of national security, these individuals should no longer have access to classified information.
The order was issued on Friday night through an official memorandum sent to federal agencies. While the revocation does not pose an immediate or severe security risk, it highlights the growing political tensions in Washington and signals Trump’s willingness to take action against his former opponents.
Previously, Trump had also revoked the security clearance of former President Joe Biden. It is customary for former U.S. presidents and high-ranking officials to retain some level of access to intelligence briefings, a practice that has long been upheld. However, upon taking office in 2021, Biden had rescinded Trump’s security clearance, leading to what many see as a retaliatory move by Trump in his second term.
Trump’s latest decision further deepens political divisions in the U.S., showcasing his readiness to break with tradition in dealing with his political adversaries.