The security protections for Mike Pompeo, Brian Hook and John Bolton, three foreign policy advisers who served during the first term of United States President Donald Trump, have been canceled by him.
The story was first reported by The New York Times on Thursday, revealing that Trump had revoked the protection for Pompeo, the former director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
According to sources who wished to remain anonymous, Trump’s order was enforced on Wednesday at 11pm Eastern Time, removing the security details for both Pompeo and Hook, a former top aide.
Prior to this, it was reported that Trump had also removed the security protection for Bolton, his former national security adviser. Bolton confirmed this news in a statement to CNN on Tuesday, expressing his disappointment but lack of surprise.
Trump has defended his decision, referring to Bolton as a “very foolish individual.”
“We cannot provide security for individuals for their entire lives. Why should we?” Trump argued.
However, critics have highlighted that Bolton, Pompeo, and Hook have all faced alleged threats of assassination from Iran.
Throughout their careers in foreign policy, the three leaders have taken a tough stance against Iran. Some analysts suggest that Trump’s decision to revoke their security details could be a form of retaliation for perceived disloyalty.
An official from the administration of former President Joe Biden, speaking on the condition of anonymity to The Associated Press, confirmed that Trump’s team was aware of the threats against the three men.
The official described Trump’s decision as “extremely irresponsible.”
Bolton had angered Trump with his public criticisms after being ousted as national security adviser in 2019. He had previously served under Republican presidents such as George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.
In his memoir, Bolton harshly criticized Trump’s leadership, stating, “There is substantial evidence to show that Trump is not fit to be president.”
Meanwhile, Pompeo has been less vocal in his criticisms, but he briefly considered a potential run for the presidency in 2024 before his hopes were dashed by low poll numbers. He subsequently campaigned for Trump in 2024.
During Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021, Pompeo and Hook were instrumental in the US’s policy of “maximum pressure” towards Iran.
This period was characterized by the US withdrawing from a deal aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for relief from harsh US sanctions.
It remains unclear whether Trump will pursue a similar approach in his second term.
However, some experts speculate that members of Trump’s inner circle have grown more critical of the interventionist and assertive approach advocated by figures like Bolton and Pompeo.
Trump stated that Pompeo would not have a role in his administration. Additionally, he announced on social media this week that Hook had been dismissed from his appointed position at the Wilson Center, a think tank.
In recent days, dozens of former intelligence officials who had signed a letter in 2020 suggesting that the Hunter Biden laptop scandal showed signs of a “Russian information operation” also had their security clearances revoked.
