Trump revokes John Bolton’s Secret Service detail amid Iranian death threats: former national security advisor

President Donald Trump made the controversial decision to revoke former National Security Advisor John Bolton’s Secret Service protection after his inauguration as the 47th president on Monday. Bolton expressed his disappointment but not surprise at the decision, stating that despite his criticisms of President Biden’s national-security policies, Biden had extended that protection to him in 2021.

Bolton has been the target of threats from Iran for years, including an alleged plot to assassinate him in 2021, which led to a member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps being charged by the Department of Justice in 2022. Despite facing ongoing threats, Trump had removed Bolton from his administration in 2019, only for Biden to reinstate his security detail in 2021.

When asked about Bolton’s claim, the White House did not immediately respond. The Justice Department’s criminal charges against an Iranian Revolutionary Guard official in 2022 for attempting to hire a hitman to target Bolton underscored the ongoing threat he faces. Bolton pointed out that the recent arrest of someone trying to arrange for Trump’s own assassination further highlights the seriousness of the situation.

The tensions between Bolton and Trump date back to their time working together, with Trump ultimately asking for Bolton’s resignation in 2019 due to strong policy disagreements. In the years that followed, Trump has publicly criticized Bolton, calling him “one of the dumbest people in Government” and suggesting he would have sparked “World War Six.”

Bolton has not shied away from criticizing Trump either, claiming in a 2020 interview that Trump lacks the competency to carry out the job of president. Despite their differences, Bolton’s security remains a concern, especially in light of ongoing threats from Iran.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the relationship between Trump and Bolton remains strained. The decision to revoke Bolton’s Secret Service protection raises questions about the level of security provided to former government officials and the ongoing threats they may face. The safety and security of individuals like Bolton, who have been targeted by hostile foreign entities, must remain a top priority for the government.