Former President Donald Trump has announced the revocation of Former President Joe Biden’s access to classified intelligence, citing a precedent set by Biden in 2021.

Trump’s Announcement

On Friday, shortly after arriving at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump made the declaration via his social media platform.

“There is no need for Joe Biden to continue receiving access to classified information. Therefore, we are immediately revoking Joe Biden’s security clearances and stopping his daily intelligence briefings.” — Donald Trump

Trump justified the decision as payback, referring to Biden’s 2021 order that blocked Trump’s access to intelligence briefings after leaving office.

Background: Biden’s 2021 Decision on Trump

In 2021, Biden revoked Trump’s intelligence briefings due to concerns about his behavior following the 2020 election and his role in the January 6 Capitol riot.

In an interview with CBS News at the time, Biden expressed concerns about Trump’s access to classified information:

“What value is giving him an intelligence briefing? What impact does he have at all, other than the fact he might slip and say something?” — Joe Biden

Trump’s Recent Actions Against Critics

Trump’s latest move is part of his broader effort to punish political opponents and critics. In recent months, he has:

• Revoked security clearances for over 50 former intelligence officials who suggested that the Hunter Biden laptop controversy resembled a “Russian information operation.”
• Stripped security details from former government officials, including:
  • Mike Pompeo, his former Secretary of State, who faces threats from Iran.
  • Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who frequently clashed with Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump’s Classified Documents Controversy

Trump’s decision to revoke Biden’s briefings comes despite his own legal troubles related to classified documents. In 2022, federal agents searched Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home and seized boxes of classified records. He was later indicted on multiple felony counts for allegedly hoarding classified materials and obstructing the FBI’s recovery efforts.

A judge later dismissed the charges, ruling that the special counsel who brought the case was illegally appointed. The Justice Department did not appeal after Trump won re-election in November.

Firing the U.S. Archivist

In a related move, Trump also dismissed Colleen Shogan, the U.S. Archivist, according to White House aide Sergio Gor. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) had played a key role in flagging Trump’s classified document issues to the Justice Department.

Shogan, the first woman to serve in the role, was not in office at the time Trump’s records issue surfaced, but Trump had already vowed in early January to replace her.

Trump Cites Biden’s ‘Poor Memory’

Trump also referenced Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report on Biden’s handling of classified materials, which noted Biden’s “poor memory” and suggested he struggled to recall key events, including when his son Beau Biden passed away or when he served as Vice President.

“The Hur Report revealed that Biden suffers from ‘poor memory’ and, even in his ‘prime,’ could not be trusted with sensitive information.” — Donald Trump

Trump ended his post with a signature catchphrase:

“I will always protect our National Security — JOE, YOU’RE FIRED. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!“

Legal Authority to Revoke Access

As the sitting president, Trump has full authority to determine whether a past president retains access to intelligence briefings. Biden had exercised this same authority in 2021.

Trump’s Team Reacts

Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, echoed the announcement on social media, quoting lyrics from Ray Charles’ song:

“Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more!”

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In a unanimous decision on Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal law that will effectively ban TikTok in the United States starting Sunday, unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells the app. The ruling prioritizes national security concerns over the potential limitations to free speech that may affect TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users.

Impact on Users

Although the law takes effect on January 19, experts believe TikTok will not disappear from existing users’ phones immediately. However, new users will no longer be able to download the app, and updates will be restricted, which could render TikTok unusable in the future. According to the Justice Department, these limitations will ultimately make the app nonfunctional for all users.

Political Backdrop

The decision occurred amid political tension between outgoing President Joe Biden and incoming President Donald Trump. Despite concerns over TikTok’s connection to China, Trump—who has 14.7 million followers on TikTok—has expressed interest in negotiating a solution. He also hinted at discussing the app with Chinese President Xi Jinping just before the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Trump’s stance contrasts with that of prominent Senate Republicans, who have criticized ByteDance for not finding a buyer earlier. The law, which allowed for a 90-day pause in enforcement if progress toward a sale was made, creates further uncertainty about what may happen once Trump takes office.

National Security Concerns

The Supreme Court’s opinion stressed the law’s focus on national security, stating that TikTok’s ties to China raised significant risks, particularly in relation to data collection and potential manipulation by the Chinese government. The Court concluded that Congress’s decision to mandate the sale of TikTok was necessary to address these concerns, despite arguments over the impact on free speech.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Justice Neil Gorsuch filed separate opinions, expressing reservations but ultimately supporting the ruling. Gorsuch acknowledged the “dramatic” nature of the law but emphasized the national security risks posed by TikTok’s data access.

TikTok’s Legal Battle and ByteDance’s Resistance

TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, have long denied the app’s use as a tool of the Chinese government. However, U.S. officials have raised alarms about TikTok’s ability to gather sensitive data, such as viewing habits, which could potentially be accessed by the Chinese government. Additionally, concerns about the app’s algorithm being manipulated to shape content in ways that may benefit Chinese authorities have been central to the legal debate.

Despite these concerns, TikTok has argued that no evidence has been presented showing China has attempted to manipulate U.S. content or extract data from the app’s users.

The Legal and Political Landscape

The law, signed by President Biden in April, followed a prolonged debate in Congress over TikTok’s security risks. In December, a three-judge panel upheld the law, leading TikTok to quickly appeal to the Supreme Court.

Should ByteDance refuse to sell TikTok to an approved buyer, the law would ban the app from U.S. app stores operated by companies like Apple and Google. Additionally, internet hosting services would be prohibited from hosting TikTok content.

Possible Buyers and Future Uncertainty

ByteDance has indicated it has no intention of selling TikTok. However, several investors, including former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire businessman Frank McCourt, have shown interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. assets. McCourt’s Project Liberty initiative, which includes business figures like “Shark Tank” host Kevin O’Leary, has proposed an acquisition but has not disclosed financial terms.

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who represented the Biden administration before the Supreme Court, suggested that the impending law might serve as a final push for ByteDance to reconsider its refusal to sell.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a significant milestone in the ongoing legal and political battle over TikTok’s ties to China. With the law taking effect on January 19, the future of the app in the U.S. remains uncertain, and the potential for a sale or continued resistance from ByteDance will shape the next chapter in this high-stakes conflict between national security and free speech.

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Washington, D.C. — President Joe Biden has decided not to enforce a ban on the popular social media app TikTok, a decision that leaves the fate of the app in the hands of incoming President Donald Trump. The ban was originally set to take effect just one day before Biden’s departure from office on January 19, as part of legislation passed by Congress last year.

Divestment Deadline Looms

The law, signed by President Biden, requires TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance (based in China), to divest its ownership of TikTok by January 19, the day before Biden’s inauguration. However, an anonymous U.S. official confirmed Thursday that the Biden administration will not act on enforcing this deadline, deferring the responsibility to Trump’s incoming administration.

Trump’s Shift on TikTok

During his presidency, Trump called for a TikTok ban over national security concerns, citing fears that the Chinese government could access user data. However, Trump has since softened his stance, pledging to keep the app available in the U.S. Despite this shift, his transition team has not provided details on how they plan to resolve the issue.

In fact, TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is expected to attend Trump’s inauguration and will be granted a prominent seat at the event. Trump’s incoming national security adviser, Mike Waltz, suggested that the new administration might take steps to prevent TikTok from disappearing, stressing that the federal law allows an extension if a viable deal is on the table.

Bipartisan Debate Over TikTok

The debate over TikTok has become a rare point of bipartisan contention. On Thursday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer urged President Biden to extend the divestment deadline. Schumer argued that more time was needed to find an American buyer for TikTok without disrupting the lives of millions of users, particularly influencers who have built substantial followings on the platform.

“We need to avoid disrupting the livelihoods of millions of Americans,” Schumer stated on the Senate floor.

Despite efforts from Democrats to pass a bill that would delay the deadline, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton blocked the proposal. Cotton, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, argued that TikTok had already had ample time to find a buyer and reiterated his belief that the app poses a national security threat.

“TikTok is a Chinese Communist spy app,” Cotton declared, “that targets our kids with harmful content, harvests their data, and spreads communist propaganda.”

TikTok CEO’s High-Profile Appearance

Adding intrigue to the situation, TikTok’s CEO is not the only tech figure expected at the inauguration. The list includes notable personalities like Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX), Mark Zuckerberg (CEO of Meta), Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI), and Jeff Bezos (founder of Amazon). These tech leaders are expected to receive prominent seating, according to insiders.

Supreme Court’s Role

The legal battle over TikTok continues as the Supreme Court heard arguments last week in a case challenging the law requiring ByteDance to divest the app. Early signs suggest the Court may uphold the law, citing national security concerns. If that happens, Trump’s administration would be tasked with determining the next steps for TikTok in the U.S.

Trump’s Role as a Deal Maker

Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz signaled that Trump, known for his deal-making style, could facilitate a solution that ensures TikTok remains operational in the U.S. while addressing national security concerns. “He’s a deal maker,” Waltz said, “and we’re working to create space for a deal.”

Trump’s Changing View on TikTok

Once a vocal critic of TikTok, Trump has reversed his position since the app became an influential platform during his 2024 presidential campaign. His campaign utilized TikTok to connect with younger voters, particularly males, through viral, often macho content. In fact, Trump credited TikTok with helping him win more youth support and has now vowed to “save TikTok.”

As the clock ticks down to the inauguration, the future of TikTok remains uncertain, with both national security concerns and the interests of millions of American users hanging in the balance.

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President Joe Biden signed a historic bill into law on Sunday, set to increase Social Security payments for nearly 3 million individuals who worked in public service roles, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other government employees.

The bill addresses a long-standing issue, known as the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which previously reduced Social Security benefits for public employees who also received pensions from state or local governments. With the new law, these provisions are rescinded, bringing relief to many retirees who had their benefits unfairly reduced. However, experts warn that while the change will offer much-needed assistance to millions, it will also place additional strain on the already struggling Social Security Trust Funds.

The Social Security Fairness Act

“The bill I’m signing today is about a simple proposition: Americans who have worked hard all their life to earn an honest living should be able to retire with economic security and dignity — that’s the entire purpose of the Social Security system,” Biden stated during a signing ceremony in the White House East Room.

The signing ceremony was attended by labor leaders, retirement advocates, and bipartisan lawmakers, including Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins and outgoing Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. Brown received a standing ovation for his years of advocacy for the bill.

Impact on Social Security Recipients

The Congressional Research Service reports that as of December 2023, approximately 745,000 Social Security beneficiaries, or 1% of all recipients, were impacted by the Government Pension Offset. In addition, about 2.1 million beneficiaries, or 3%, had their payments reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that by eliminating WEP, monthly benefits will rise by an average of $360 by December 2025 for affected recipients. Meanwhile, ending the GPO could raise monthly payments by $700 for 380,000 recipients and $1,190 for 390,000 surviving spouses. These increases will continue to grow over time due to cost-of-living adjustments.

Retroactive Payments

The changes are effective from January 2024, and the Social Security Administration will issue back-dated payments to those impacted. However, the process for implementing these adjustments is still unclear, and it’s not yet known whether affected individuals will need to take any action.

Support from Public Service Workers

Public service workers are especially excited about the changes. Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), expressed relief, saying the law rectifies a “40-year wrong.” Kelly emphasized that surviving spouses, especially those of firefighters, were disproportionately affected by the previous policy. “Firefighters who get paid very little can now afford to retire,” Kelly added.

Sen. Brown, who championed the proposal for years, expressed his satisfaction with the bill’s passage, particularly as he nears the end of his Senate tenure. Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), called the law a “historic victory” for public service workers.

Bipartisan Support and Opposition

While many Republicans, such as Sen. Collins, supported the bill, some Republicans, including Sens. John Thune, Rand Paul, and Thom Tillis, voted against it. Sen. Tillis, for instance, argued that the bill’s passage was driven by political pressure and failed to address the issue on a more sustainable basis. Despite this, Republican supporters argue that the law corrects an unfair practice that harms public service retirees.

Challenges Ahead for Social Security

The future of Social Security has become a significant political issue, especially with the 2024 election approaching. The new law is expected to place more strain on the Social Security Administration (SSA), which is already facing staffing shortages. With just over 56,000 employees, the SSA operates at its lowest staffing level in over 50 years, even as it serves more beneficiaries than ever.

Furthermore, the annual trustees report for Social Security and Medicare, released in May, warned that the Social Security Trust Fund will not be able to pay full benefits starting in 2035. With the new law now in effect, that date may come even sooner, hastening the program’s insolvency.

A Broader Effort to Protect Retirement Pensions

In addition to signing the Social Security Fairness Act, Biden has also worked to protect the pensions of union workers, including signing the Butch Lewis Act into law. This legislation has secured the retirement pensions for two million union workers, demonstrating the administration’s continued efforts to ensure retirement security for Americans.

The Social Security Fairness Act is a significant step forward in correcting disparities for public service workers, but the road ahead will require careful balancing of the program’s sustainability and the needs of its beneficiaries.

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U.S. President Joe Biden has officially blocked a proposed $14.9 billion takeover of US Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel, citing national security risks posed by foreign ownership of key American industries.

This decision comes after a year-long negotiation period, during which Nippon Steel announced its plan to acquire the American steel giant, based in Pennsylvania. The Japanese company had positioned the deal as a lifeline for US Steel, which has been struggling in recent years. However, the proposed transaction quickly hit a roadblock due to strong opposition from the United Steelworkers (USW) union. The union’s vocal resistance stirred political pressure, particularly in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Political and Economic Ramifications

Despite concerns that blocking the deal could harm U.S.-Japan relations, Biden chose to prioritize national security interests. Advisors had warned that the move might strain ties with Japan, an important ally. However, Biden’s administration emphasized that maintaining U.S. ownership of its steel industry is vital for the nation’s security and economic strength.

Nippon Steel and US Steel have expressed frustration with the decision, accusing the U.S. government of using the review process for political advantage. In a statement, they argued that the decision sacrifices the future of American steelworkers and sends a negative message to international investors. Both companies hinted at possible legal action in response, emphasizing the risks of deterring foreign investments.

“We believe that President Biden has sacrificed the future of American steelworkers for his own political agenda,” said the companies, adding that the decision could discourage other allies from investing in the U.S. market.

A Challenging Path Forward for US Steel

The future of US Steel, a 124-year-old company once at the heart of American industrial power, now seems uncertain. For months, US Steel sought a buyer to secure much-needed investment, and its agreement with Nippon Steel appeared to be a potential solution. Despite promises from both companies to preserve jobs and maintain operations, the deal could not overcome political and security concerns.

In an effort to alleviate worries, Nippon Steel and US Steel had offered to fund a workforce training center and even proposed giving the U.S. government veto power over potential production cuts. US Steel had also raised concerns about the possibility of factory closures without the necessary capital infusion from a new owner.

Local politicians and business groups, particularly those fearing rising protectionism, worried that blocking the deal could deter future international investments in the U.S. However, these arguments did not sway Biden, who had expressed opposition to the deal from the start.

Biden’s Strong Stance on National Security and U.S. Steel

In his announcement on Friday, President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding U.S. industries critical to national security. He emphasized that domestic steel production is vital for the country’s infrastructure, auto industry, and defense capabilities.

“As I have said many times, steel production—and the steel workers who produce it—are the backbone of our nation,” Biden said. “Without domestic steel production and domestic steel workers, our nation is less strong and less secure.”

The United Steelworkers union praised Biden’s decision as a victory for American workers and national security. Union President David McCall expressed gratitude for the president’s bold action, stating that the move would help maintain the long-term viability of the U.S. steel industry.

The Broader Implications

Following the announcement, US Steel’s stock price dropped by about 5%, reflecting investor uncertainty. However, some experts believe this may not be the end of the proposed deal. Terry Haines, an analyst at Pangaea Policy, pointed out the strong ties between the U.S. and Japan, suggesting that the Japanese company might attempt to renegotiate the deal in the future.

Prof. Stephen Nagy from Tokyo’s International Christian University speculated that Nippon Steel and US Steel might return with a revised proposal, potentially after the 2024 U.S. presidential election, particularly if a new administration—such as one under former President Donald Trump—took office.

Nagy called Biden’s decision “political,” arguing it was part of the administration’s broader strategy to protect American workers and industries, echoing the “America First” rhetoric of Trump’s presidency.

Conclusion

Biden’s decision to block the Nippon Steel-US Steel takeover underscores the importance of safeguarding American industries deemed essential to national security. While the move may strain U.S.-Japan relations, it sends a strong message about the government’s commitment to preserving domestic manufacturing capabilities. Going forward, US Steel faces an uncertain future, but the outcome of this case could influence future foreign investments in the U.S., particularly in key sectors like steel.

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On the eve of the 83rd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, U.S. President Joe Biden reflected on its profound impact, calling it an event that “changed the future of the world.” Speaking at a White House gathering for veterans and their families, Biden shared his personal connection to the event, recalling how he often heard stories about Pearl Harbor while growing up, particularly from his uncles who enlisted in the military after the attack.

The president emphasized the historical significance of the attack, stating, “During World War II, we stood at an inflection point. We still stand at an inflection point. The decisions we make now in the next four to five years will determine the course of our future for decades to come… We owe it to the next generation to set that course on a more free, more secure, and more just path.”

The anniversary, marked on Saturday, December 7, honors the surprise attack by Japan on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, near Honolulu. Early in the morning, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes launched a devastating assault on America’s Pacific Fleet, using bombs, bullets, and torpedoes.

The attack resulted in over 2,400 deaths, including U.S. sailors, soldiers, and civilians. Nearly half of the casualties occurred aboard the USS Arizona battleship. In total, the Japanese managed to sink four of the eight U.S. battleships at Pearl Harbor and damaged the remaining four.

The Naval History and Heritage Command website explains that despite the bravery of U.S. servicemembers, the attack succeeded due to a combination of tactical and technological surprise. Japanese aircraft and weapons were far more advanced than anticipated, and U.S. antiaircraft defenses were insufficient in both numbers and capability.

The day after the attack, U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt addressed Congress, seeking a declaration of war. His famous “Day of Infamy” speech led to unanimous support in the Senate for war. Only one member of the House of Representatives, Montana’s Jeanette Rankin, a pacifist, voted against the declaration. The U.S. was now officially involved in World War II.

Prior to the attack, the United States had imposed economic sanctions on Japan, aiming to curb its expansion in Asia. These sanctions, particularly targeting aircraft exports, played a role in Japan’s decision to strike Pearl Harbor, as part of a strategy to secure its goals in the region without interference.

Today, the USS Arizona Memorial stands over the wreckage of the battleship, a tribute to the lives lost. This year, a 104-year-old survivor of the attack, Ira “Ike” Schab Jr. of Portland, Oregon, returned to Hawaii for the anniversary events. Schab, a Navy musician at the time, was welcomed with a water cannon salute and music from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band.

When asked about his memories of the attack, Schab said, “Being scared, more than anything else.” He made the trip to honor the few remaining survivors, saying, “They deserve to be recognized and honored.”

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