Trump removes Bolton's protection despite an active Iranian assassination threat
The incoming administration had been briefed on the threat; the White House said wealthy former officials could pay for private security.
Entities and roles
- Donald J. TrumpDonald Trump network root
- John Boltonformer Trump national security adviser
Relationships in this file
- Donald J. Trumpformer national security adviserJohn Bolton
Claims and evidence
- factreported
Within a day of returning to office, Trump ended Bolton's Secret Service protection even though the outgoing administration had briefed Trump officials that Iran's threat remained active. Bolton had become a prominent Trump critic and called the decision disappointing but unsurprising. The White House said taxpayers should not fund indefinite details for wealthy former officials; public reporting disclosed no cost for Bolton's protection.
- Associated Press: Trump revokes protections for former officials facing threats from IranBolton protection removal, Iran threat briefing, critic relationship, and White House taxpayer rationale