Donald Trump’s Access To Intelligence Briefings Under Review By National Security Teams

In a briefing, Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded to concerns that Donald Trump’s access to intelligence briefings — a courtesy extended to former presidents — could be a national security issue. She assured the American public that this concern is already being addressed and the appropriate authorities are making decisions.

The former president was the subject of a few questions to Secretary Psaki on Monday. His Twitter access (or lack thereof) is still a matter of contention for his supporters, and, more vitally, his access to intelligence briefings.

Press Sec. Jen Psaki says the White House has yet to decide whether to revoke President Trump’s access to post-presidency intelligence briefings. pic.twitter.com/yK4nMUUyTj

— The Recount (@therecount) February 1, 2021

“This is a good question. I’ve raised it with our…national security team. It’s something obviously that’s under review, but there was not a conclusion last time I asked them about it. I’m happy to follow up on it and see.”

It’s not clear whether Trump is actually accessing these intelligence briefings, as the Washington Post reported even while he was in office he refused to read the written version, and accepted only selected portions in an oral briefing.

However, the concern raised was that he would abuse the privilege or leverage it for profit.

Psaki was also asked the White House’s views on Trump’s continued Twitter ban, and whether his absence from social media makes the White House’s work easier. She responded by saying that the question might be more appropriate for Republican members, but that online platforms should continue to fight hate speech.

Q: “Do you think about how Trump not being on Twitter is impacting negotiations?”

PRESS SEC: “This may be hard to believe, but we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about him… we don’t miss him on Twitter.” — Amen. pic.twitter.com/DM12ooST5S

— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) February 1, 2021

“But I can’t say we miss him on Twitter,” she confirmed, before moving on from the topic.