Former President Donald Trump has revoked the security clearances of several prominent Democrats, including former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and New York Attorney General Letitia James, Fox News reports. Trump justified the move against Blinken to the New York Post simply stating, "Bad guy. Take away his passes."

Both James and Bragg have been involved in legal proceedings against Trump in New York. James' office recently led a lawsuit with 18 other Democratic state attorneys general challenging the Department of Government Efficiency's access to the Treasury Department's payment system.

Former national security advisor Jake Sullivan, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and attorneys Andrew Weissmann, Mark Zaid, and Norm Eisen also had their clearances revoked. Eisen, a lawyer known for his opposition to Trump, represents FBI agents suing the Department of Justice to prevent the public release of their identities in connection with the January 6th investigation. He also participated in Trump's first impeachment proceedings.

This action follows Trump's revocation of former President Joe Biden's security clearance and access to presidential daily briefings just a day earlier. Trump cited Biden's own 2021 decision to restrict his access to national security information as a precedent. At the time, Biden attributed the restriction to Trump's "erratic behavior."

Trump questioned Biden's suitability to handle classified information, referencing the Hur Report, which raised concerns about Biden's memory. He emphasized his commitment to protecting national security.

Traditionally, former presidents retain access to intelligence briefings. The 2024 Hur Report stemmed from an investigation into Biden's management of classified documents.