In a bold move on March 21, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum revoking security clearances for several high-profile Democrats, including Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris.
What Information Did They Lose Access To?
When Trump revoked the security clearances of Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and others, he effectively cut off their ability to view classified information.
This includes sensitive national security briefings, such as the President’s Daily Brief (PDB), and access to any intelligence held by the U.S. Intelligence Community. Typically, former presidents and senior officials retain clearances as a courtesy, allowing them to stay informed and potentially advise on matters of national importance.
However, Trump’s memo explicitly stated that it was “no longer in the national interest” for these individuals to have such access, stripping them of these privileges entirely.
Additionally, the order prohibits unescorted entry into secure government facilities, further limiting their ability to engage with classified environments or materials.
For someone like Clinton, who once handled top-tier sensitive data as Secretary of State, or Harris, who served as Vice President, this represents a significant reduction in their ability to stay connected to the intelligence world.
Do They Still Have Access to Any Information?
With their security clearances revoked, Clinton, Biden, and Harris no longer have official access to classified government information.
However, as private citizens, they can still access publicly available data, news reports, and unclassified government releases—resources available to any American. They may also rely on personal networks or former colleagues for informal updates, though this wouldn’t include anything classified. For now, their direct pipeline to sensitive intelligence has is gone.
Does Joe Biden Have More Access Since He Was President?
As a former president, Joe Biden traditionally would have retained security clearance and access to intelligence briefings, a practice designed to ensure continuity and allow ex-presidents to offer informed counsel if needed.
However, Trump’s decision overrides this convention. Despite Biden’s prior role as commander-in-chief, he does not appear to have been granted any special exemptions in this case. The memo explicitly names “Joseph R. Biden Jr., and any other member of Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s family,” suggesting that his status as a former president does not afford him additional privileges here. This move mirrors Biden’s own decision in 2021 to revoke Trump’s clearance after leaving office, citing “erratic behavior,” indicating a tit-for-tat precedent.
Responses from Clinton, Biden, and Harris
As of March 22, 2025, specific public responses from Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris regarding the revocation remain limited. However, the political climate suggests they may view this as an act of retribution. Clinton, who lost her clearance in 2018 at her own request but may have regained it later, has not commented directly in available reports.
Biden, who has faced Trump’s ire over the 2020 election, and Harris, Trump’s 2024 opponent, have also not issued immediate statements in the provided context.
Given their past criticisms of Trump, it’s likely they’ll frame this as a partisan overreach, though official reactions may emerge in the coming days.
Other Democrats and Positions Affected
Trump’s memorandum didn’t stop at Clinton, Biden, and Harris. It targeted a broad swath of Democratic figures and critics, including:
Antony Blinken – Former Secretary of State
Jake Sullivan – Former National Security Adviser
Lisa Monaco – Former Deputy Attorney General
Letitia James – New York Attorney General (prosecuted Trump for fraud)
Alvin Bragg – Manhattan District Attorney (pursued legal cases against Trump)
Norman Eisen – Attorney and legal critic of Trump
Mark Zaid – National security lawyer
Andrew Weissmann – Former prosecutor involved in Trump-related investigations
The list also includes Republicans like Liz Cheney (former Wyoming Representative) and Adam Kinzinger (former Illinois Representative), both vocal Trump critics who served on the January 6 committee, as well as former Trump administration officials Fiona Hill (Russia expert) and Alexander Vindman (impeachment witness).
Notably, the memo extends to “any other member of Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s family,” potentially affecting Hunter and Ashley Biden, though their clearances were already in question.
Reactions from Those Affected
Several individuals named in the memo have responded publicly, often with defiance or dismissal.
Alexander Vindman, whose clearance hasn’t been active for years, posted on X, “I don’t care what noises Donald Trump makes about a security clearance that hasn’t been active for five years.” Mark Zaid quipped, “This is like the third time already I’ve lost my security clearance? How many times does it take?” and suggested it might fuel more legal action against Trump.
Adam Kinzinger, in a video statement, mocked the move, noting he’d been retired from the military for a year and lacked an active clearance, calling Trump a “dumba—.” These reactions indicate that, for some, the revocation is more symbolic than practical, though it underscores Trump’s intent to target perceived enemies.
Statements from Trump and Others
Trump’s memorandum provided a clear rationale: “I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information.” Earlier, in February 2025, he announced plans to revoke Biden’s clearance, posting on Truth Social, “There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information… JOE, YOU’RE FIRED.” This suggests a personal vendetta, especially given Biden’s 2021 decision to cut off Trump’s own briefings.
No additional statements from Clinton, Biden, or Harris were detailed in the immediate aftermath, but the White House memo stands as Trump’s official justification.
What Information Do They Still Have Access To?
Beyond classified materials, those affected retain access to anything unclassified—government reports, public statements, and media coverage.
For figures like Biden or Clinton, their extensive experience and contacts might still provide informal insights, though nothing official or sensitive. Their exclusion from secure facilities and briefings ensures they’re out of the loop on current classified matters.
The revocation of these clearances is likely just the beginning of Trump’s broader strategy to reshape access to government resources. Critics see it as part of a “revenge tour,” especially given his earlier moves to strip Secret Service protection from Biden’s children and target other foes.
For now, the intelligence community must comply, and those named will adjust to life without classified access—watching from the sidelines as Trump’s agenda unfolds.
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