Fauci, Bolton, Pompeo: Full List of People Who Donald Trump Revoked Security Details For

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who advised President Donald Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the latest ex-aide to lose government protection, sources confirmed Friday.

Why It Matters

The abrupt termination of Fauci's federal security detail reflects a pattern seen with other high-profile former officials, such as former National Security Adviser John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and his top aide Brian Hook. These decisions come despite persistent threats linked to their roles in the Trump administration.

When asked about the move, President Trump remarked, "They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security, too."

Bolton, Hook, and Pompeo previously had their security details extended by the Biden administration due to credible threats from Iran. Fauci's protection, similarly, extended by President Joe Biden, stemmed from domestic threats he received during the pandemic.

In one of his final acts as president, Biden issued a sweeping preemptive pardon for Fauci on Monday, shielding him from potential legal scrutiny.

What To Know

Less than 24 hours after returning to office, Trump ordered the revocation of security clearances for dozens of former intelligence officials, alleging they sided with Biden in the 2020 election or turned against him.

Sources told CNN that Fauci, who received death threats during the pandemic, was informed of the decision Thursday. He has since arranged for private security.

Speaking in North Carolina, Trump dismissed concerns about the safety risks these decisions might pose. "You can't have a security detail for the rest of your life because you worked for government," he said.

During the early pandemic days, Fauci played a central role in the U.S. response, frequently clashing with Trump over unproven public health strategies. Later, he became Biden's chief medical adviser, serving until his retirement in 2022.

Despite leaving public service, Fauci continues to face hostility from Republicans and conservative groups, who blame him for mask mandates and other measures they argue infringed on personal freedoms and proved ineffective.

While threats against Fauci are largely domestic, Bolton, Pompeo, and Hook face risks tied to international tensions.

John Bolton

John Bolton, a staunch national security hawk instrumental in shaping U.S. foreign policy during Trump's first term, confirmed earlier this week that his Secret Service protection was revoked, despite ongoing threats from Iran.

"I am disappointed but not surprised that President Trump decided to terminate my protection," Bolton told Newsweek. "Although I have criticized President Biden's national security policies, he extended my protection in 2021 due to credible threats."

Bolton and Trump parted ways in 2019, just two years after Bolton's appointment. Following his dismissal, Bolton published a memoir criticizing Trump's foreign policy approach, including admiration for authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-Un. The White House unsuccessfully attempted to block the book's release, claiming it contained sensitive information.

Trump has since mocked Bolton, calling him "a very dumb person" but acknowledging that his presence in meetings served a purpose. "People thought he'd attack them because he's a warmonger," Trump quipped.

Mike Pompeo and Brian Hook

The decision to remove security details for Pompeo and Hook is notable given their continued support for Trump.

Pompeo, who briefly considered a presidential run, has criticized Biden's policies while endorsing Trump in 2024. Both Pompeo and Hook were pivotal in crafting Trump's tough stance on Iran, including the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, a move that made them targets of Iranian retaliation.

In March 2022, the State Department disclosed spending over $2 million per month on security for Pompeo and Hook due to ongoing threats. Subsequent reports confirmed the threats remain serious and credible, necessitating continued protection.

What People Are Saying

John Bolton while speaking to CNN on Thursday night in part: "I think I can speak for all the former officials who have been receiving different kinds of protection, we don't want it for the rest of our lives. We'd be delighted if tomorrow the intelligence community concluded that the Iranian threat had disappeared, or the regime had disappeared".

Barton Gellman, a senior adviser at the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice, told the Associated Press: "Public opinion might actually be one of the major constraints on Trump. I don't think a majority of Americans wants to see him abusing his legal powers to try to harm his political enemies. If a pattern like that emerges, I don't think it will be popular."

What Happens Next

Trump also used an executive order to revoke "any active or current security clearances" held by 51 former intelligence officials, including Bolton, who signed a letter in 2020 casting doubt on the provenance of the Hunter Biden laptop story.

"Signatories of the letter falsely suggested that the news story was part of a Russian disinformation campaign," the executive order reads.

Included in the list are former National Intelligence Director James R. Clapper Jr., former Central Intelligence Agency Directors Michael Hayden and John Brennan and former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.