Former President Donald Trump has announced the revocation of security clearances for several prominent figures, including Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and New York Attorney General Letitia James. This decision was disclosed during an interview with the New York Post, where Trump emphasized the implications of these actions, stating that the individuals affected would no longer have access to federal buildings.
This move follows Trump’s earlier revocation of security clearances for former President Joe Biden, which he justified by claiming there was “no need” for Biden to have access to classified information. Trump explained that stripping security clearances effectively removes the rights of these officials, including their ability to enter federal facilities.
In addition to Bragg, Blinken, and James, Trump is reportedly considering similar actions against other individuals from the Biden administration, such as former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and former Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco.
The revocation of security clearances for Bragg and James could significantly impact their professional responsibilities. The lack of access to courthouses and law enforcement facilities, particularly in New York City, may hinder their ability to perform official duties. Key locations affected include the Thurgood Marshall and Daniel Patrick Moynihan courthouses, the Metropolitan Correctional Center, and the Jacob Javits Federal Building, which is home to the FBI’s New York field office. They would also be barred from entering the U.S. Attorney’s offices for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
Robert Costello, a former attorney for Michael Cohen, remarked that the revocation of these clearances serves more as an insult than a substantive deterrent, highlighting the political nature of Trump’s actions. The ongoing tensions between Trump and these officials underscore the contentious atmosphere surrounding legal and political battles in the current landscape.