President Trump has controversially ended the federal security protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci, a former COVID-19 advisor and the ex-director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
CBS News reported that on Thursday, it was confirmed that Fauci's federal protection was discontinued, alongside the security details for Mike Pompeo, Brian Hook, and John Bolton earlier in the week.
The termination of Fauci's guards was verified by a source to the Associated Press. The move is part of a broader pattern by Trump, removing security for several officials whose protection had been reinstated by President Joe Biden in response to ongoing threats. Fauci, Pompeo, Hook, and Bolton were all notable figures who faced intensified risks due to their former roles.
Dr. Fauci, who retired at the end of 2022, became a central figure during the COVID-19 crisis. His public disagreements with Trump drew significant attention, contributing to the growing animosity against him. During his time as an advisor, Fauci faced threats that persisted even after stepping down from his position.
In a statement in North Carolina, Trump implied that providing lifelong protection to former officials was unnecessary.
He suggested that since these aides and advisors had achieved significant financial success, they were capable of arranging their own security. Fauci has responded by hiring private security to ensure his safety, acknowledging the reality of ongoing threats.
In an interview with CBS News, Fauci expressed concern over the nature of the threats he has encountered. "No, not credible death threats where a person is arrested who was clearly intending to kill you," he stated. Such incidents have happened more than once, underscoring the heightened risks for prominent public figures from the previous administration.
President Biden recognized the need for protection by preemptively renewing security for these individuals, including Fauci, before his term ended.
This decision was partly informed by the credible threat level against them. Despite this, Trump's administration has chosen a different path, aligning with a more self-reliant approach to the safety of former advisors.
Trump's perspective on the situation highlights a broader debate about the responsibilities of former government personnel. "You can't have a security detail for the rest of your life because you worked for government," he remarked, addressing the economic implications of continued federal protection. His comments echo an intent to shift the responsibility of security onto the individuals in question.
The termination of federally funded protection is not only applicable to Fauci. It extends to other prominent figures from the Trump administration, such as Mike Pompeo, the former Secretary of State. Pompeo and Brian Hook, similarly at risk due to their influential roles, reportedly face credible dangers that justified their continued security under Biden.
Likewise, John Bolton, a former national security adviser, had his protection reinstated by Biden before it was rescinded by Trump.
Risks to these former officials stem from both international and domestic sources, owing to their decisions and positions while in office. Trump's stance has sparked varied responses, fueling debate over personal responsibility and security funding.
Fauci's critical stance during the pandemic put him at odds with Trump, exacerbating tensions between perspectives on public health measures.
His disagreements with Trump, who often questioned or downplayed scientific guidance, became a focal point for public discourse. Fauci's dedication to scientific integrity amid political pressure garnered support and criticism alike.
Now that federal security is no longer guaranteed, Fauci's decision to hire private security underlines the seriousness of the threats against him.
Although he no longer holds an official government position, his legacy and visibility continue to attract attention and risk. The ending of his federal protection raises questions about the balance between cost-saving measures and ensuring safety.
