Trump removes Bolton's protection despite an active Iranian assassination threat
Reporting and findings
- reported
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
Summary and current status
The incoming administration had been briefed on the threat; the White House said wealthy former officials could pay for private security.
Government protective detail revoked
People and organizations
- Donald J. TrumpDonald Trump network root
- John Boltonformer Trump national security adviser
Relationships in this file
- Donald J. Trumpformer national security adviserJohn Bolton