President Donald Trump said in an exclusive interview with the New York Post on Saturday that he revoked the security clearance for some former Democratic officials and current legal authorities, following his decision to do the same for former President Joe Biden earlier this week.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment by email on Saturday afternoon.
Why It Matters
Trump announced on Friday that he had revoked Biden’s security clearance and discontinuing the daily intelligence briefings that Biden had been receiving—retaliation for Biden doing the same to Trump in 2021 due to “erratic behavior” and the concern he would disclose sensitive information.
Traditionally, former presidents continue to receive intelligence briefings even after leaving office. However, in a post on Friday, Trump claimed that Biden used his tenure to instruct the intelligence community to prevent Trump from accessing national security information after he left office.
What To Know
Trump on Saturday told the New York Post in an exclusive interview that he would revoke the clearance of eight additional Democrats, which the newspaper wrote was meant to “punish” them. Without their clearance, the officials will not be allowed to access classified information or enter federal facilities.
The list includes:
- Biden’s Secretary of State Antony Blinken
- New York Attorney General Letitia James
- Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg
- former national security adviser Jake Sulivan
- Biden’s deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco
- Lawyers Andrew Weismann, Mark Zaid and Norm Eisen
Each of those listed were at some point involved with investigations into Trump.
James and Bragg both brought cases against Trump. James brought a civil fraud lawsuit against Trump’s real estate company ahead of the 2024 election. Trump maintains his innocence, and the judgment of now over $500 million, including interest, is on appeal.
Bragg led the hush money case against Trump that led to 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels that led to a conviction and a largely symbolic “unconditional discharge” sentence. Trump has maintained his innocence and is appealing the case as well.
James is also leading a new lawsuit against Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for its access to sensitive payment systems in the Treasury Department.
“This is to take away every right they have [revoking security clearances] including they can’t go into [federal] buildings,” Trump told the Post, which characterized the revocation as largely symbolic rather than consequential for James and Bragg.
However, neither will be able to enter the U.S. attorney’s offices for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
What People Are Saying
Brian Krassenstein, entrepreneur and anti-Trump internet personality, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “These actions are unprecedented in a democracy. This is not about national security—it’s a calculated move of political retribution and obstruction. By targeting officials involved in investigations and foreign policy, Trump is undermining the rule of law and putting America’s security at risk.”
Laura Loomer, a conservative activist, wrote on X: “President Trump just REVOKED the security clearances of the following 8 Democrat lawfare agents,” adding, “They are now forbidden from walking inside any Federal buildings since they illegally weaponized law fare to carry out election interference. I told you it would be a spicy weekend full of firings and demotions! A little birdie at the White House told me … Stay tuned! Even MORE is coming this weekend.”
What Happens Next?
With nine officials losing security clearances over the past two days, it is possible Trump is not done and will revoke clearance from other former Democrat officials and lawyers—especially if Loomer’s warning pans out.
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