Trump Ends Dr. Fauci’s Federal Security Detail Amid Ongoing Threats/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump has ended federal security protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci, citing no responsibility for the infectious disease expert’s safety despite ongoing threats. Trump also revoked protection for former officials Mike Pompeo, Brian Hook, and John Bolton, suggesting they fund their own security. Fauci, who faced threats during the COVID-19 pandemic, has since hired private security.
Trump Cancels Fauci’s Protection: Quick Looks
- Security Revoked: Federal protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci and three former officials has been canceled.
- Trump’s Remarks: Trump stated they “can hire their own security.”
- Ongoing Threats: Fauci faced domestic threats; Pompeo and others targeted by Iran.
- Biden Renewals: Protections had been repeatedly renewed by President Biden.
- Private Security: Fauci now relies on privately funded protection.
Trump Ends Dr. Fauci’s Federal Security Detail Amid Ongoing Threats
Deep Look
FLETCHER, N.C. — President Donald Trump announced the termination of federal security protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who became a prominent figure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump dismissed concerns about Fauci’s safety, saying he feels no responsibility should harm come to him or other former officials.
“You can’t have a security detail for the rest of your life because you worked for government,” Trump said during his North Carolina visit.
Fauci and Others Lose Protection
Fauci is the latest in a group of former Trump administration officials to lose federal protection. Earlier this week, Trump also canceled security details for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former national security adviser John Bolton, and former State Department official Brian Hook. All three have faced credible threats from Iran due to their hard-line stances during Trump’s first administration.
While Biden’s administration had repeatedly extended their protections, citing ongoing threats, Trump dismissed the need, stating, “They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security, too.”
Ongoing Threats Against Fauci
Dr. Fauci, who became a household name during the early COVID-19 pandemic, faced frequent threats due to his public health recommendations. Initially a key advisor to Trump, Fauci later criticized the administration’s handling of the pandemic, particularly Trump’s attempts to undermine public health guidelines.
After the announcement, Fauci hired private security to ensure his safety. A source familiar with the matter, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Fauci’s federal protection ended Thursday.
Iran Threats and High-Profile Targets
The Biden administration had extended security for Pompeo, Bolton, and Hook due to credible threats from Iran. These threats stem from their involvement in crafting policies such as withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
Trump, however, appeared unconcerned about these ongoing risks. “They’re not my responsibility anymore,” he said.
Criticism and Controversy
Critics argue that revoking federal protection for former officials and public servants could set a dangerous precedent.
Michael Coen, a former national security adviser, said, “Security isn’t about politics; it’s about safeguarding individuals who face credible threats because of their public service.”
Fauci, who served as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for decades, was often a target of misinformation and personal attacks, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. His federal protection, first granted during Trump’s administration, was consistently renewed under Biden due to the continued domestic threats.
What’s Next?
The revocation of federal protection for Fauci and other officials highlights a shift in how Trump’s administration approaches the safety of former government personnel. With private security now filling the gap, questions remain about whether cost or politics played a larger role in these decisions.
For Fauci and others, the end of federal protection underscores the risks faced by those in high-profile public service positions, even after their government roles have ended.
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