Rescinding Security Clearances and Access to Classified Information from Specified Individuals
This Presidential memorandum directs all executive departments and agencies to revoke security clearances and access to classified information from a list of specified individuals, including prominent political figures and public officials.
The action is justified on the grounds that granting these individuals continued access is no longer in the national interest.
The memorandum explicitly rescinds access to classified briefings and unescorted access to government facilities.
Arguments For
National Security: The President's decision to revoke security clearances may be argued as necessary to protect national security by preventing sensitive information from reaching individuals deemed a risk.
Maintaining Public Trust: Revoking clearances could be framed as an effort to restore public confidence in the government's handling of classified information and safeguarding against potential leaks or misuse.
Executive Authority: The President's authority to manage and control access to classified information is inherent in their role as Commander in Chief and head of the executive branch.
Legal Precedent: Potential legal precedents or statutes relating to the revocation of security clearances might be cited to justify the action.
Arguments Against
Due Process Concerns: The lack of clear due process protections afforded to the named individuals raises concerns about fairness and potential abuse of power.
Political Motivation: The selection of individuals could trigger accusations of selective targeting driven by political considerations rather than genuine national security risks.
Overreach of Executive Authority: Critics may argue that the action represents an overreach of presidential power, possibly infringing on individual rights without sufficient justification.
Impact on National Security: Removing experienced individuals from access to classified information could potentially hinder effective national security operations and decision-making.
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT: Rescinding Security Clearances and Access to Classified Information from Specified Individuals
This section is formal heading of the presidential memorandum.
The 'MEMORANDUM FOR' line indicates who the President is directing the memorandum to.
The 'SUBJECT' clearly states the action being taken.
I have determined that it is no longer in the national interest for the following individuals to access classified information: Antony Blinken, Jacob Sullivan, Lisa Monaco, Mark Zaid, Norman Eisen, Letitia James, Alvin Bragg, Andrew Weissmann, Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Cheney, Kamala Harris, Adam Kinzinger, Fiona Hill, Alexander Vindman, Joseph R. Biden Jr., and any other member of Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s family. Therefore, I hereby direct every executive department and agency head to take all additional action as necessary and consistent with existing law to revoke any active security clearances held by the aforementioned individuals and to immediately rescind their access to classified information. I also direct all executive department and agency heads to revoke unescorted access to secure United States Government facilities from these individuals.
This action includes, but is not limited to, receipt of classified briefings, such as the President’s Daily Brief, and access to classified information held by any member of the Intelligence Community by virtue of the named individuals’ previous tenure in the Congress.
In the event that any of the named individuals received a security clearance by virtue of their employment with a private entity, the United States Government entity that granted the security clearance should inform the private entity that these individuals’ ability to access classified information has been revoked.
This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
The President states their determination that continued access to classified information for the listed individuals is against the national interest.
A direct order is given to revoke security clearances, rescind access to classified information, and revoke unescorted access to secure government facilities.
The order explicitly includes access to briefings and intelligence community information.
The memorandum further addresses cases where clearances might have been granted through private entities.
Finally, a standard clause is included stating that the memorandum does not create any legally enforceable rights.