Trump ends security protection for former COVID advisor Fauci

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies + The New York Times
25 Jan 2025 20:59

According to The New York Times, Fauci’s security protection was terminated on Thursday, prompting him to hire a private security team.

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Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, in Washington, on Friday, April 28, 2023 (AP)

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has revoked security protection for Anthony Fauci, his former COVID-19 advisor, who has faced death threats over his role in managing the pandemic.

"You can't have a security detail for the rest of your life because you worked for government," Trump told reporters during a visit to North Carolina to assess flood damage.

Earlier in the week, Trump also withdrew Secret Service protection for his former national security advisor, John Bolton.

According to The New York Times, the president similarly revoked government security for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and a senior Pompeo aide, Brian Hook.

When asked if he would feel responsible should harm come to Fauci or Bolton, Trump responded, "No".

"Certainly, I would not take responsibility."

"They all made a lot of money," he added. "They can hire their own security."

"I can give them some good numbers of very good security people," Trump said. "Fauci made a lot of money."

According to the Times, Fauci’s security protection was terminated on Thursday, prompting him to hire a private security team.

Fauci, who spearheaded the nation’s COVID-19 response during Trump’s first term, remains a divisive figure, especially among right-wing groups, and has faced numerous death threats.

Former President Joe Biden issued a preemptive pardon to Fauci on his final day in office on Monday.

Bolton, who was reportedly the target of an alleged Iranian assassination plot, has emerged as one of Trump’s most vocal critics since leaving the White House. The State Department has since announced a $20 million reward for information leading to the capture of the suspected orchestrator behind the alleged plot to kill Bolton.

US officials have also accused Iran of planning to assassinate Trump in retaliation for the 2020 US drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, the former commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps' (IRGC) Quds Force.