Trump Ends Secret Service Protection for John Bolton

Trump Revokes Secret Service Protection for Bolton Amid Ongoing Threats

In a significant political move, President Donald Trump has rescinded Secret Service protection for John R. Bolton, his former national security adviser, within mere hours of assuming office for his second term. Bolton, who has been vocal about threats on his life, particularly from Iran, expressed his disappointment over the decision, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Bolton disclosed that he received a call from a Secret Service representative on the evening of Trump’s inauguration, which took place less than 12 hours earlier. The official conveyed that the president had chosen to terminate his security detail, a measure that had been put in place due to credible threats against Bolton’s life. "I am disappointed but not surprised that President Trump has made this decision," Bolton told The New York Times. He contrasted Trump’s decision with that of President Biden, who extended Secret Service protection to him in 2021 despite Bolton’s criticisms of Biden’s national security strategy.

Bolton warned of real dangers, citing a specific incident in 2022 where the Justice Department charged an Iranian Revolutionary Guard official for allegedly attempting to hire a hitman to target him. “That threat remains today,” Bolton remarked, referring to the ongoing peril he faces. His comments emphasized a broader concern over the safety of not only himself but also the political climate surrounding former administration officials, particularly those who have been embroiled in foreign policy controversies.

Bolton’s security concerns were compounded by a recent plot involving an alleged assassination attempt against Trump himself, which further illustrates the high-stakes environment both men find themselves in. “The American people can judge for themselves which president made the right call,” Bolton stated, alluding to the contrasting approaches of Trump and Biden regarding the protection of former officials.

The Secret Service, which is tasked with protecting high-profile individuals, has remained tight-lipped about the specifics surrounding its protective details, choosing not to comment on the matter. A White House spokesperson, when approached for remarks on the situation, did not respond to inquiries.

Bolton’s tenure as Trump’s national security adviser ended in 2019 after a series of clashes between the two, culminating in his ousting. Following his departure, Bolton authored a book that chronicled his experiences within the Trump administration, provoking anger from the former president, who sought to hinder its publication. This tumultuous history has undoubtedly colored the relationship between Bolton and Trump.

Adding another layer to the narrative, the Justice Department has linked a murder plot against Bolton to Shahram Poursafi, an operative of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Reports indicated that this alleged scheme could be perceived as retaliation for Trump’s strategic decision to eliminate General Qassim Suleimani in a drone strike in January 2020—an operation that amplified tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

Following Trump’s ousting of Bolton, the Biden administration reinstated Secret Service protection for both Bolton and Robert C. O’Brien, Trump’s last national security adviser during his first term. Despite their shared histories of criticism regarding Biden’s foreign policies, O’Brien has notably defended Trump, complicating the political landscape. However, Biden’s administration withdrew O’Brien’s security detail in 2024, showcasing the shifting priorities regarding protective services for former officials.

The ongoing threats against former Trump officials by Iran have been well documented, particularly since the 2020 strike against General Suleimani. In late 2023, the Biden administration opted to bolster protections for Mike Pompeo, Trump’s final secretary of state, and Brian H. Hook, a key aide, amid rising threats. These decisions reflect the precarious nature of safety for individuals who served in high-profile roles during Trump’s presidency.

Trump himself has faced threats, including a targeted assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2023, which coincided with a rise in threats attributed to Iran. Although this particular incident was unrelated to Iranian actions, it serves as a stark reminder of the political volatility and the ever-present danger that individuals in power can encounter.

As the landscape of protection and security for former leaders continues to shift, Bolton’s experience raises important questions about accountability, safety, and the responsibilities of current administrations in addressing the threats posed by foreign adversaries. The dialogue surrounding these issues remains critical as both Trump and Bolton navigate the complexities of their pasts in a heightened climate of political tension.