In a controversial move, President Donald Trump, newly inaugurated as the 47th president, rescinded the Secret Service protection provided to former National Security Advisor John Bolton. The decision, made public on Monday, sparked heated debate, with Bolton openly criticizing Trump’s character and judgment during a CNN interview with Jake Tapper.
Bolton’s Reaction
“I’ve had better days,” Bolton quipped during the interview, clearly frustrated by Trump’s decision. “This move reflects Trump’s typical character—or lack thereof. It shows who now occupies the presidency.”
Bolton, a prominent figure in U.S. national security, served as Trump’s National Security Advisor from 2018 to 2019 before departing the administration amid significant policy disagreements. He elaborated on the reasoning behind his prior Secret Service protection, noting the dangers posed by foreign adversaries, particularly Iran.
“When President Biden recognized the threats against me and other current and former U.S. officials, he authorized the Secret Service to reinstate my protection,” Bolton explained. “This wasn’t about politics; it was about ensuring the safety of Americans targeted by hostile regimes like Iran simply for doing their jobs or expressing their opinions.”
Bolton accused Trump of reversing this decision purely out of spite. “While it is within his authority, it raises an important question: who made the wiser choice regarding national security—President Biden or President Trump?”
Trump’s Justification
When asked about his decision, Trump offered a terse explanation: “Because I think that was enough time.” He dismissed the notion of lifelong security for individuals, questioning the necessity of such measures.
Trump’s comment reflects his ongoing discord with Bolton, who has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s foreign policy decisions, both during and after his tenure in the administration.
The Background of Bolton’s Protection
Bolton’s need for security stemmed from credible threats against his life. In 2021, President Biden reinstated Secret Service protection for Bolton and others facing similar risks. This decision followed reports of a plot by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to assassinate Bolton in retaliation for the U.S. airstrike that killed IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani in January 2020.
In August 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Shahram Poursafi, an alleged IRGC member, with conspiring to assassinate Bolton. This plot underscored the dangers faced by high-profile U.S. officials, even after leaving office.
Bolton acknowledged Biden’s decision as a necessary response to these threats, despite his criticisms of the president’s broader national security strategies.
Bolton’s Tenure and Legacy
John Bolton has held numerous high-ranking government positions, including U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President George W. Bush and National Security Advisor under Trump. His tenure in the Trump administration was marked by sharp disagreements over foreign policy, particularly on issues related to Iran and North Korea. These disagreements ultimately led to his departure in 2019.
Following his exit, Bolton published The Room Where It Happened, a scathing memoir detailing his experiences in the Trump White House. The book offered an insider’s perspective on the administration’s foreign policy decisions and fueled ongoing tensions between Bolton and Trump.
Broader Implications
The decision to revoke Bolton’s security detail raises questions about the balance between political authority and national security. Critics argue that Trump’s move jeopardizes the safety of a former high-ranking official still facing credible threats, while supporters contend that such protections should not extend indefinitely.
For Bolton, the revocation underscores the challenges of navigating public service in a polarized political landscape. “Despite my disagreements with President Biden, he made the right call in extending my protection,” Bolton said in a statement. “President Trump’s decision, however, reflects a disregard for the safety of those who have served this nation.”
Looking Ahead
As tensions between Bolton and Trump continue to simmer, the broader implications of this decision remain uncertain. While the move has drawn criticism from security experts and political analysts alike, it also highlights the contentious relationship between Trump and his former advisors.
Whether this decision will have lasting consequences for Bolton—or for Trump’s presidency—remains to be seen.
