A DBUNK subscriber has submitted this fact check request regarding a widely shared BBC article, which claims that Donald Trump is revoking Joe Biden’s access to classified intelligence. We’ve reviewed the claims, the precedents, and the legal standing behind such a decision.
What’s True?
Donald Trump did state on Truth Social that he was revoking Joe Biden’s security clearance. The report does accurately note that Biden had previously denied Trump access to intelligence briefings during his presidency, citing concerns about his trustworthiness.
Where’s the Missing Context?
While the article frames Trump’s decision as a direct retaliation to Biden’s 2021 decision, it leaves out a critical distinction: Former presidents do not automatically retain security clearances. Biden did not officially “revoke” Trump’s clearance, as ex-presidents traditionally don’t hold one. Instead, he instructed intelligence agencies not to provide Trump with briefings, which is a discretionary rather than a formal security clearance revocation.
The claim that Biden’s 2021 decision was “unprecedented” omits that presidential briefings for ex-leaders are not a right but rather a courtesy. Biden acted within his authority in blocking them, citing security concerns after the January 6th riot. Trump’s decision, on the other hand, extends beyond briefings to include official security clearance removals for other officials, which carries legal and institutional consequences.
Is This Just Political Retaliation?
The article reports that Trump has revoked security clearances for multiple former intelligence and military officials, including Mark Milley and former CIA directors. What it doesn’t explore is the broader implications this could have on national security. Security clearances are typically revoked if an individual is deemed a risk, not as a punitive measure. Experts warn that stripping these officials of access to sensitive information could weaken institutional knowledge and continuity.
Additionally, Trump’s claim that Biden “could not be trusted with sensitive information” hinges on a Justice Department inquiry finding mishandled documents but choosing not to press charges. The article mentions Biden was said to have a poor memory but does not clarify that the department found no intent to mishandle classified material—an omission that may mislead readers into believing there was criminal wrongdoing on Biden’s part.
Does This Improve National Security?
A DBUNK user raised an important question: Does revoking these clearances contribute to national security or is it politically motivated?
Security clearance revocations in the past have primarily been associated with insider threats, espionage risks, or persons deemed unreliable. The removal of these credentials from intelligence officials and military leaders appears to be less about safeguarding national security and more about targeting individuals Trump has clashed with. For instance, Milley, who had open disagreements with Trump, being stripped of access raises concerns about whether this is about security risks or retribution.
Final Verdict:
The BBC article reports Trump’s announcement accurately but does not clarify that Biden never technically revoked a security clearance from Trump in 2021—he simply discontinued intelligence briefings. Additionally, the piece does not explore whether these clearance removals align with standard national security practices or are politically motivated.
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