Trump revokes security clearance for Harris, Clinton and others

BBC - Mar 22nd, 2025

US President Donald Trump has announced the revocation of security clearances from several prominent figures, including Democratic election rivals Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton, as well as several former officials. This move follows Trump's earlier decision in February to revoke the security clearance of Joe Biden. Trump stated that it was no longer in the national interest for these individuals to access classified information. Among those affected are former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former Republican lawmakers Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger. This sweeping action extends to members of the Biden family and other key figures such as Fiona Hill, Jake Sullivan, and Letitia James.

The revocation of security clearances from such high-profile individuals marks a significant departure from the traditional courtesy extended to former presidents and top officials, who typically retain their clearances post-tenure. This decision reflects not only ongoing political tensions but also raises questions about the implications for national security and political norms. The move is reminiscent of Biden's previous decision to deny Trump access to intelligence briefings due to concerns over his behavior. This escalating series of actions underscores the deepening division and partisanship in US politics, particularly concerning the handling of sensitive information and national security protocols.

Donald Trump Kamala Harris Joe Biden Us Politics National Security Hillary Clinton Security Clearance

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and engaging account of a controversial political action by former President Donald Trump. It effectively outlines the key figures affected by the revocation of security clearances, contributing to public interest and potential debate. However, the story lacks transparency in sourcing and fails to present a balanced perspective by not including reactions from those impacted. The absence of direct source attribution affects its credibility, though the narrative remains clear and accessible. Overall, the article's strengths lie in its clarity, timeliness, and potential to provoke discussion, while its weaknesses are rooted in a lack of source transparency and balance.

Accuracy

The story claims that President Donald Trump revoked security clearances for Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, and other prominent figures. This is factually supported by multiple sources, including a presidential memo. However, the article lacks specific citations which would enhance its verifiability.

The inclusion of individuals like Antony Blinken, Liz Cheney, and others is consistent with reported lists, indicating truthfulness in these details. However, the article states Trump revoked clearances for over four dozen officials without providing evidence, which is a claim that needs verification.

The story accurately mentions Biden barring Trump from intelligence briefings due to 'erratic behavior,' a point corroborated by other reports. Overall, while the article aligns with known facts, its lack of direct source attribution slightly affects its precision.

Balance

The article presents a singular perspective focused on Trump's actions without exploring the broader implications or reactions from those affected. It lacks viewpoints from the individuals whose clearances were revoked, which could provide a more balanced narrative.

The piece predominantly centers on Trump's decisions, potentially reflecting a bias by not detailing the motivations or context from the perspective of those impacted. Including reactions or statements from affected parties would offer a more comprehensive view.

Overall, the article leans towards presenting Trump's actions without sufficient exploration of opposing perspectives or the broader political context, indicating a moderate imbalance.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a straightforward structure that presents the main points concisely. The language is neutral and avoids sensationalism, aiding reader comprehension.

The logical flow from Trump's actions to the list of affected individuals is well-organized, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative.

Despite its clarity, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of the implications of revoking security clearances, which would enhance reader understanding.

Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite sources, impacting its overall credibility. While it discusses actions taken by Trump, the lack of direct quotes or references to official documents or statements weakens its reliability.

The absence of attributed sources or expert opinions limits the article's authority. Including insights from political analysts or legal experts could enhance the depth and reliability of the reporting.

Overall, the reliance on general claims without clear source attribution affects the article's credibility and reliability.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding the basis of its claims, as it does not provide citations or disclose the methodology behind its reporting. This omission makes it difficult for readers to assess the impartiality and accuracy of the information presented.

There is no discussion of potential conflicts of interest or the context in which the information was obtained, which are crucial for understanding the nuances of the story.

Overall, the article's lack of transparency in sourcing and methodology affects its clarity and trustworthiness.