Clinton receives first intelligence briefing as nominee

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally in Manchester, N.H., Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016.

Republican nominee Donald Trump received a similar classified briefing on foreign affairs and homeland security about a week and a half ago at an Federal Bureau of Investigation field office in Manhattan.

Regular national security updates are the norm for presidential candidates, and Trump received his first briefing two weeks ago.

The briefing came more than a week after her rival, GOP nominee Donald Trump, attended a similar meeting along with his close allies, New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie and retired Lieutenant General Michael T. Flynn.

Republican candidate Donald Trump attended a similar briefing Aug 17 in NY, accompanied by two key advisers, retired lieutenant general Michael Flynn and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

Hillary Clinton got her first national security briefing as the official Democratic nominee – a process she is somewhat familiar with. Joni Ernst’s annual “Roast and Ride” fundraiser at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The former secretary of state routinely received such briefings when she was in President Barack Obama’s Cabinet.

According to NBC News, Clinton’s briefing lasted for over two hours. Some Trump critics have questioned whether he could responsibly handle sensitive information, while some of Clinton’s critics say her use of a private email server while secretary of state raises concern over her ability to protect classified information.

National Intelligence Director James Clapper said it is possible the initial briefings given to the candidates by his staff would be the only ones they receive before the election, though as national security information comes in, more could be issued. While he has not wavered on his desire to build an impenetrable wall along the border with Mexico, he exhibited indecisiveness in recent days about his plan to deport 11 million immigrants living in the USA illegally.