Trump Ends Security Protections for Mike Pompeo, Brian Hook & John Bolton/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump has revoked government security protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and top aide Brian Hook, both targets of Iranian threats due to their roles in the 2018 “maximum pressure” campaign. The move follows similar decisions to strip protections from former officials, including John Bolton, despite ongoing credible threats.
Trump Revokes Diplomatic Protections: Quick Looks
- Security Revoked: Mike Pompeo and Brian Hook lost government-funded security as of Wednesday evening.
- Ongoing Threats: Both men have faced “serious and credible” threats from Iran since Trump’s first term.
- Bolton and Others Targeted: Trump recently revoked protections for John Bolton and intelligence officials critical of him.
- Cost of Protections: State Department security for Pompeo and Hook had cost over $2 million per month.
- Criticism: Experts and former officials called the move “highly irresponsible” given ongoing risks.
Trump Ends Security Protections for Mike Pompeo, Brian Hook & John Bolton
Deep Look: Trump Revokes Protections for Pompeo and Hook
President Donald Trump has revoked government security protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his top aide Brian Hook, both of whom have faced persistent threats from Iran due to their leadership in the administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against the Islamic Republic.
Pompeo and Hook were informed of the decision on Wednesday, with their security details ending at 11 p.m. that evening. Sources familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the revocation but did not provide an explanation.
The Iran Connection
Pompeo and Hook were central to Trump’s 2018 decision to withdraw the United States from the Iran nuclear deal and impose severe sanctions on Tehran. Their actions made them high-profile targets for Iranian retaliation, especially after the 2020 U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.
In March 2022, a State Department report to Congress confirmed that threats against both Pompeo and Hook were “serious and credible,” justifying ongoing 24-hour security. The Biden administration had renewed their Diplomatic Security Service protection every few months, with the most recent extension granted in October 2024.
Security Costs and Political Implications
Providing round-the-clock protection for Pompeo and Hook cost the government over $2 million per month, according to State Department estimates. However, experts argue that the financial burden pales in comparison to the risk of harm to high-profile former officials.
Critics of Trump’s decision, including former Biden administration officials, called the move reckless. “The threats against these individuals are active and credible,” one former official said, describing the revocation as “highly irresponsible.”
Targeting Political Adversaries
The decision to revoke Pompeo and Hook’s protections is part of a broader trend under Trump’s second term. Earlier this week, the president stripped security clearances and Secret Service protection from John Bolton, his former national security adviser. Bolton, who has been targeted for assassination by Iran, was fired during Trump’s first term and later authored a memoir critical of the administration.
Trump also revoked security clearances for dozens of former intelligence officials who had signed a 2020 letter suggesting the Hunter Biden laptop controversy bore the hallmarks of a Russian disinformation campaign.
Pompeo and Hook’s Silence
Neither Pompeo nor Hook has commented publicly on the decision. Pompeo, who has clashed with Trump in recent months, was recently dismissed by Trump as having “no role” in the new administration. On Monday, Trump removed Hook from his position on the board of the Wilson Center, a prominent Washington think tank.
Backlash and Criticism
The New York Times first reported the revocation, sparking criticism from national security experts and former officials.
Eunice Cho, senior staff attorney at the ACLU, emphasized the ongoing risks posed by Iranian threats. “This decision sends a troubling message about the safety and support for officials who serve in difficult and dangerous roles,” she said.
Historical Context: Protection for Former Officials
The U.S. has a history of providing extended security for officials who face credible threats, even after leaving office. During the Biden administration, protections for Pompeo, Hook, and others were repeatedly renewed based on intelligence assessments.
The Biden administration reportedly briefed Trump officials earlier this month on the threats posed to Pompeo, Hook, and Bolton. Despite this, Trump moved forward with ending their protections, raising questions about the administration’s commitment to the safety of former officials.
What’s Next?
The revocation of protections leaves Pompeo and Hook vulnerable amid active threats from Iran. As tensions with Tehran remain high, the decision has raised concerns about the safety of former U.S. officials and the implications of politicizing security decisions.
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