President Donald Trump has directed agencies across the federal government to strip access to classified information from a range of officials tied to past administrations and political opposition. Included in the action are former President Joe Biden, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), among others.
The move stems from a presidential memo issued Friday that orders not only the removal of security clearances but also revokes the ability of these individuals to enter secure federal facilities without escort. In the memo, Trump said it was no longer appropriate for these people to maintain any level of access to U.S. government intelligence.
Trump’s directive was not limited to past elected officials. Vice President Kamala Harris, former Biden administration figures Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan and Lisa Monaco were also included. Others named were Adam Kinzinger, Alexander Vindman, Fiona Hill and members of the Biden family.
Donald Trump has officially stripped Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris of their security clearances.
Both have now been cut off from access to classified government information.
Neither will be authorized to handle sensitive materials moving forward. pic.twitter.com/QCghefuikO
— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) March 22, 2025
Several attorneys tied to investigations targeting Trump — including Mark Zaid, Andrew Weissman and Norman Eisen — were identified for removal. Also included were Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Look who lost their security clearance. Even Hillary is on that list. pic.twitter.com/TAJq4zPdEx
— The Dibster (@richarddibX) March 22, 2025
Trump has taken steps to restrict information sharing with individuals he believes were involved in past misconduct or who represent a security risk. His administration ordered agencies to notify any private sector entities that if any of the names listed retained access through employment outside the federal government, that status is no longer valid.
I really can't explain how relieved that makes me feel that President Trump pulled the security clearance from Hillary & Kamala. They both sold out Americans & women, in this US Vet's opinion.🙏🥳🙏
— Linda Chapman (@LindaChapm96534) March 22, 2025
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated earlier this month that she had already revoked the clearances of Blinken, Sullivan, Monaco, Bragg, Weissman, Eisen and James. She also removed access from the 51 individuals who had signed a letter about the Hunter Biden laptop story in 2020.
The memo notes that Clinton, Cheney and Biden are no longer eligible to receive briefings such as the President’s Daily Brief, traditionally given to high-level officials even after they leave office. Trump emphasized that those privileges have been rescinded in full.
Perkins Coie and Paul Weiss, two firms previously granted access to sensitive material, were also barred. Perkins Coie has filed suit against the administration while Paul Weiss reached a resolution with the White House.
