President Donald Trump recently ordered the termination of the federal security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who had advised Trump on the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci had faced numerous threats to his life over the years, necessitating federal protection.
However, this security detail was discontinued this week, according to sources familiar with the matter. Fauci is the latest in a series of former Trump administration officials-turned-critics to lose their federal protection, despite ongoing threats to their safety.
Trump’s Dismissal of Responsibility
During a press briefing in North Carolina, President Trump expressed that he would not feel responsible if any harm came to Fauci or other former officials. A source indicated that Fauci’s security was removed on Thursday, after which he arranged for private security services. Trump also dismissed concerns over the lack of protection for other former officials, such as John Bolton, who previously served as national security advisor, saying they had made enough money to afford their own security.
Trump Ends Fauci’s Federal Security Detail Despite Ongoing ThreatsIn addition to Fauci, Trump also revoked the security details for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, his aide Brian Hook, and John Bolton. These individuals had been facing threats, particularly from Iran, following their hard-line policies against the Islamic Republic during Trump’s first term.
The Biden administration had extended their protection due to ongoing, credible threats from Iran. Trump’s stance is that security should not be provided indefinitely to former government officials, particularly those who have left office.
Fauci’s Career and Public Service
Dr. Fauci, who served as a staff member at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for 54 years and directed the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for 38 years, became one of the most prominent public figures during the pandemic. He was also one of the few officials to openly criticize Trump’s handling of the health crisis.
Despite being preemptively pardoned by President Joe Biden before leaving office, Fauci had been threatened with potential criminal charges from Trump and his supporters, although there was no evidence of any wrongdoing.
Fauci and his family have been subjected to serious threats, including harassment and credible death threats. In testimony before a Republican-led House panel, Fauci detailed the ongoing harassment through emails, texts, and letters.
He revealed that there had been multiple credible death threats, some leading to arrests, and expressed that these threats had required him to maintain protective services consistently. Despite these dangers, his federal security details have now been ended, leaving Fauci to rely on private security.