Former President Donald Trump has made the controversial decision to end the federal security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who played a crucial role in advising the Trump administration during the COVID-19 pandemic. This move comes amid a broader trend of revoking security for several former aides who have turned into critics, despite ongoing threats to their safety.
Reports indicate that Fauci’s federal protection was terminated on Thursday, and he has since opted to hire private security. During a press conference in Fletcher, North Carolina, Trump expressed that he would not feel responsible if Fauci or any similar officials were harmed, suggesting that they are financially capable of securing their safety. “They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security, too,” Trump stated.
This decision follows earlier actions in the week where Trump also revoked security details for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, adviser Brian Hook, and national security adviser John Bolton. These individuals have faced threats, particularly from Iran, due to their hardline policies during Trump’s presidency. The protection for these officials had been maintained under the Biden administration due to credible threats.
Fauci, who was once a central figure in the Trump administration’s COVID-19 response, has faced increasing hostility since becoming a critic of Trump’s public health approach. He has been under federal protection for several years due to consistent threats against his life, a situation that is not unique to him as many officials who become public figures after serving in government often encounter backlash.
The revocation of security detail raises critical questions about the safety of public officials who oppose former administrators and highlights a worrying trend regarding accountability and responsibility for protecting individuals in the face of threats.
In summary, Trump’s decision to cut Fauci’s security detail reflects a broader strategy to distance himself from former officials who have criticized him, potentially placing them at increased risk. This situation underscores the ongoing threats faced by public health officials and former government leaders.