Former National Security Adviser John Bolton has criticized President Donald Trump for revoking his government-provided security detail amid ongoing threats from Iran. This move has raised concerns about the safety of officials linked to the 2020 strike on Qassem Soleimani.
Trump Ends John Bolton’s Government Security Detail
Former National Security Adviser John Bolton announced that President Donald Trump has terminated the government security detail provided to him due to threats from Iran. Bolton expressed disappointment in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that the threats against him persist, referencing a recent Iranian plot to target Trump himself.
Bolton’s Security Detail and Iranian Threats
Bolton has been under 24/7 Secret Service protection since December 2021 after U.S. intelligence uncovered an Iranian plot to assassinate him. This threat stemmed from Trump’s 2020 decision to order the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Despite the ongoing risk, Trump signed an executive order on Monday to revoke security protection for 50 former senior officials, including Bolton, citing Bolton’s alleged disclosure of sensitive information in his memoir.
Impact on Other Officials
It remains unclear if Trump’s executive order affects other former officials facing threats from Iran. These officials include Brian Hook, former special envoy to Iran; Mark Esper, former Secretary of Defense; and Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Trump has been critical of these individuals in the past, adding to concerns about their future security arrangements.
Ongoing Concerns Over Tehran’s Retaliation
The threats against Bolton and others stem from Tehran’s vow to avenge Soleimani’s killing. U.S. intelligence has reported multiple plots targeting officials connected to the strike. The decision to revoke Bolton’s security detail has reignited debates over the protection of individuals under threat due to actions taken during their government service.
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