Trump Revokes Biden’s Security Clearance, Targets USAID, and Freezes Aid to South Africa
Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday revoked his predecessor Joe Biden’s security clearance and intensified efforts to restructure the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which provides humanitarian assistance worldwide.
In a series of executive actions, the 78-year-old Republican also announced a freeze on aid to South Africa—where his top donor, billionaire Elon Musk, was born—and appointed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center, one of Washington’s leading cultural institutions.
Revoking Biden’s Security Clearance
“There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform, declaring that Biden’s security clearance would be revoked “immediately” and that his daily intelligence briefings would cease.
“JOE, YOU’RE FIRED,” Trump added in capital letters.
Former U.S. presidents traditionally retain access to intelligence briefings after leaving office, though this privilege is at the discretion of the sitting president.
Targeting USAID
Trump also ramped up his criticism of USAID, the agency responsible for distributing foreign aid, calling it corrupt and demanding its closure.
“THE CORRUPTION IS AT LEVELS RARELY SEEN BEFORE. CLOSE IT DOWN!” he wrote on Truth Social, though he provided no specific evidence.
Since returning to office, Trump has taken steps to significantly downsize USAID, freezing foreign aid, recalling thousands of internationally-based staff, and initiating cuts to the agency’s workforce from 10,000 to approximately 300 employees.
His actions align with ongoing criticism from conservative groups that argue U.S. foreign aid is wasteful. However, USAID supporters emphasize that the agency operates in over 120 countries, providing critical health and emergency assistance that bolsters U.S. influence against global rivals like China.
Labor unions have challenged the legality of Trump’s approach. On Friday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration’s plan to place 2,200 USAID employees on paid leave.
Former USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who served under Biden, called the restructuring “one of the worst and most costly foreign policy blunders in U.S. history” in an opinion piece for The New York Times.
Freezing Aid to South Africa
Trump also announced a freeze on U.S. aid to South Africa, citing a land reform law that he claims allows farmland to be seized from white farmers—an assertion denied by the South African government.
Musk, who has previously criticized South Africa’s leadership, has supported Trump’s position on the issue.
Appointing Himself to the Kennedy Center
In another move, Trump named himself chairman of the Kennedy Center, stating that the institution does not reflect his values.
“Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth—THIS WILL STOP,” he wrote on Truth Social, though he did not specify which performance he was referring to.
Trump has previously criticized LGBTQ+ representation in the arts and entertainment sectors, making the announcement part of his broader cultural stance.
Political Reactions
Democrats argue that Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally dismantle USAID or revoke Biden’s security clearance without congressional approval. Meanwhile, conservative groups support his push to reduce government spending and reallocate resources domestically.
As these policy changes unfold, legal battles and political debates are expected to shape their implementation and impact.
