The former President Donald Trump continues with his vigilant streak, further revoking security clearances of those who seem to be his antagonists. Notably, this list now includes Antony Blinken, who was also a former Secretary of State, in addition to the already ousted Joe Biden. Apparently, the former president is not mincing his words or actions against eight Democrats, inclusive of significant figures such as Letitia James, New York’s Attorney General, and Alvin Bragg, Manhattan’s District Attorney.
Interestingly, Trump’s actions, as audacious as they are, aim to strip these characters of their rights down to the level of being unable to gain entry into federal buildings. As per Trump, this very same fate of Biden, in terms of retribution, would now befall the added names as well. Bragg, who had previously led a legal attack against Trump in a hushed money case last year, had succeeded in 34 convictions, while Trump was left untouched post his election victory, but held as a convicted felon.
Meanwhile, Letitia James had initiated a civil case, pegging the Trump Organization for misleading insurers and banks about the value of their assets. Though Trump’s decision might seem symbolic for both James and Bragg, real-world implications such as hindrances in entering law enforcement facilities, prisons, and courthouses may arise.
The clearances denial extends towards other Democrats, featuring Antony Blinken and Jake Sullivan. The latter was a prior National Security Adviser, and both were deprived of their security status. Furthermore, Trump also targeted Lisa Monaco, Biden’s Deputy Attorney General, who previously worked on the response to the January 6, 2021, attack on the Congress for the Department of Justice.
Continuing his unyielding approach, Trump enlisted Andrew Weissman, Chief Prosecutor for Robert Mueller’s team investigating Trump’s presidential campaign 2016’s ties with Russia, on the security clearance removal list. However, the list seemed to be incomplete without Mark Zaid—an attorney infamous for representing a whistleblowing CIA analyst post the Trump-Zelensky call debacle in 2019.
For context, Trump had pressurized Ukrainian President Zelensky, threatening to withhold military aid if a Biden-family oriented investigation was not carried out—a fiasco leading to Trump’s first impeachment. Consequently, Mark Zaid revealed his strangely honored feeling by Trump’s ‘Red Badge of Courage’ bestowed upon him; regardless of Trump’s actions, he vowed to ensure accountability to the rule of law was intact.
Norm Eisen, an attorney who provided legal aid to the House Judiciary Committee during its impeachment phase, also didn’t escape Trump’s adamant move. Eisen was also victim to the mass security clearances removal executed by Trump.
While expressing his obvious distrust in Biden’s ability to handle national security information, Trump didn’t hide his sentiments. Quoting him directly, he expressed his disbelief in Biden’s worthy nature particularly required to maintain national security.
In lieu of the aforementioned events, it seems Trump isn’t planning to levy specific allegations—however, he keeps Biden in his sights for potential scrutiny. Trump revealed his disdain regarding Biden’s decisions that have impacted the country unfavorably, according to him.
Highlighting the increased influx of undocumented immigrants and the challenges posed in tracking down criminal offenders, Trump seems to associate the root cause with Biden’s lenient policies allowing an unchecked entrance into the country. The resulting problem, as stated by Trump, makes his and others’ current remedial actions necessary.
The purge of Trump against those he sees as opposition, is a testament of the former president staying true to his perceived convictions. No matter the political gamesmanship behind this move, it shows a clear intent of Trump to assert dominance and a sense of righteousness, despite the potential legal and political implications.
It is undeniable that this act by Trump has stirred controversy, debate and perhaps some concern. However, looking through the lens of the instructions given here, it can be seen as a patriarch standing his ground and highlighting what he views as the shortcomings of Biden and his associated Democrats.
Just as poignantly and contrarily, some might argue that his aggressive stance may only reveal a desperate attempt to maintain relevance in the political landscape by resorting to symbolic gestures towards those he considers enemies. However, our viewpoint, as dictated by the provided instructions, synonymizes Trump’s actions as an appropriate response to the inadequacies of his Democratic counterparts, specifically Biden and Harris.