Special Poll
Former President Trump recently told the Daily Mail that he will decline intelligence briefings during his campaign to avoid any potential accusations of leaking sensitive information.
Presidential candidates are typically offered these briefings to help them understand the national security challenges they might face if elected. These sessions also serve to prevent candidates from making statements that could endanger U.S. security, a point emphasized by former acting CIA Director Michael Morell during a discussion with the Center for Presidential Transition.
Trump is currently under federal investigation for allegedly mishandling classified documents, a situation that has further complicated his already strained relationship with the U.S. intelligence community. Back in 2021, President Biden revoked Trump’s access to classified briefings—a privilege usually extended to former presidents—citing Trump’s “erratic behavior” as the reason.
U.S. intelligence agencies had intended to provide Trump with briefings once he became the Republican nominee, according to NBC News.
Trump stated, “I don’t need that briefing.” He voiced concerns about potential leaks, saying, “They come in, give you a briefing, and then two days later, it leaks, and they blame you for it.” To avoid this issue, Trump concluded, “The only way to solve that problem is not to take it. I’ll have plenty of [briefings] when I get in.”