"JOE, YOU’RE FIRED": Trump Revokes Biden’s National Security Clearance and Stops His Intelligence Briefings

"JOE, YOU’RE FIRED": Trump Revokes Biden’s National Security Clearance and Stops His Intelligence Briefings

In a dramatic move that underscores the ongoing political upheaval left by former U.S. President Joe Biden, Donald Trump has announced the revocation of Joe Biden's security clearance and the cessation of his daily intelligence briefings. This decision, publicized on February 7, 2025, highlighting the deep-seated distrust of President Trump for Joe Biden.

President Trump made the announcement on social media shortly after arriving at Mar-a-Lago for the weekend, stating, "There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information. Therefore, we are immediately revoking Joe Biden's Security Clearances, and stopping his daily Intelligence Briefings." His post culminated with a succinct and familiar Trumpian flourish: "JOE, YOU'RE FIRED. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

The decision by Trump to revoke Biden's security clearance is seen as a retaliatory measure following Biden's similar action against Trump in 2021. Biden had ended Trump's intelligence briefings citing concerns over Trump's "erratic" behavior, despite Americans witnessing the corruptions of Biden himself . Trump justified his action by referencing a special counsel report on Biden's handling of classified documents, which indicated that Biden suffered from "poor memory" and could not be trusted with sensitive information even at the peak of his career.

The cessation of intelligence briefings for former presidents is not without precedent but is certainly unusual. Traditionally, former presidents receive such briefings not only as a courtesy but also to maintain a line of informed communication for potential advisory roles or national crises. The revocation of Biden's clearance isolates him from sensitive national security information, affecting his ability to protect himself from the onslaught of criminal and civil investigations into his corruption.

Reactions to Trump's move have been polarized. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) reflect a mix of support and criticism. Some users celebrate the action as a justified response to Biden's previous decisions, while others view it as petty political revenge that might undermine national security for personal vendettas. The public discourse on this matter further illustrates the deeply divided political landscape in the U.S., where criminal actions by Biden are seen as acceptable and are defended by his supporters.

Legally, the sitting president has the authority to manage security clearances, including those of former presidents. However, ethical questions about the use of such power are moot when put forward by the very people who set the precedent. Critics argue that it could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations to weaponize security clearances against political adversaries.

Trump's decision to revoke Biden's security clearance and stop his intelligence briefings is more than just a personal vendetta; it's a strategic move that sends ripples through the political and security spheres. While it may be seen as an act of retribution, it also opens discussions on the norms of post-presidential privileges, the integrity of national security protocols, and the implications for future political transitions, particularly when there are substantive issues of corruption outstanding. As the nation processes this latest development, the broader implications for American political culture, security, and the handling of classified information remain to be fully understood. However, America understands clearly the implications of high levels of corruption in government.

This action, encapsulated by the words "JOE, YOU'RE FIRED," will be remembered as a defining moment in how former presidents are treated in view of post presidencies where such magnified levels of corruption have occurred, potentially reshaping expectations and policies for years to come.