In a swift move following his return to the presidency, Donald Trump has terminated the Secret Service protection assigned to John Bolton, his former national security adviser, according to Bolton’s confirmation to CNN. President Joe Biden reinstated the protection in 2021 due to credible threats against Bolton from Iran.
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Background on the Protection
John Bolton, who left the Trump administration in November 2019, has been under threat from Iranian entities due to his hawkish policies and involvement in major geopolitical decisions. After the assassination of Iranian military officer Qasem Soleimani in early 2020, the Justice Department stated that Iran had targeted senior Trump officials, including Bolton, as part of its retaliation.
In 2022, the Justice Department charged an Iranian Revolutionary Guard official for attempting to hire a hitman to assassinate Bolton. This led to the Biden administration reinstating Bolton’s Secret Service detail, citing ongoing threats against him.
Bolton’s Reaction
Bolton expressed disappointment but noted that Trump’s decision did not surprise him. In a statement to CNN, he remarked:
“I am disappointed but not surprised that President Trump has made this decision. Notwithstanding my criticisms of President Biden’s national-security policies, he nonetheless made the decision to once again extend Secret Service protection to me in 2021.”
Bolton also highlighted the ongoing threats against him, referencing recent arrests related to assassination plots targeting both him and Trump.
Trump and Bolton: A Fraught Relationship
The relationship between Trump and Bolton has been contentious. Bolton, known for his strong stance against Iran and opposition to the 2015 nuclear deal, played a pivotal role in encouraging Trump to withdraw the U.S. from the agreement in 2018. However, by 2019, Trump fired Bolton, citing major disagreements on foreign policy.
Bolton later published a book in 2020 criticizing Trump’s approach to foreign policy and alleging misconduct, including claims that Trump sought assistance from foreign leaders to win the 2020 election. Trump responded with threats of legal action against Bolton.
Iran’s Retaliatory Threats
Bolton’s connection to the 2020 assassination of Qasem Soleimani further fueled threats against him. Despite not being in the administration at the time of Soleimani’s killing, Iranian officials have reportedly sought revenge against U.S. figures linked to the event. The Justice Department’s 2022 charges against an Iranian national highlighted the serious nature of these threats.
Trump’s First Actions in Office
Alongside terminating Bolton’s Secret Service detail, Trump has also revoked the security clearances of numerous former national security officials. This marks a broader trend of Trump taking swift and decisive actions against critics and former officials.
Key Points:
- Protection Termination: Trump revoked John Bolton’s Secret Service detail hours after resuming office.
- Threats from Iran: Bolton remains under threat due to his role in U.S. policies targeting Iran, including the 2020 assassination of Qasem Soleimani.
- Biden’s Role: President Biden reinstated Bolton’s protection in 2021 after credible threats were identified.
- Contentious History: Trump and Bolton have had a rocky relationship, culminating in Bolton’s public criticisms and Trump’s retaliation.
- Ongoing Risks: The Justice Department’s 2022 charges highlight the continued risk to Bolton’s safety from Iranian-backed plots.
This breaking story will be updated as more details emerge.