Following President Trump's inauguration, former National Security Advisor John Bolton confirmed to Fox News Digital that his Secret Service protection has been withdrawn. Expressing disappointment but not surprise, Bolton noted President Biden's decision to extend the protection in 2021, despite Bolton's critiques of Biden's national security strategies. This protection stemmed from ongoing threats from Iran, including a 2021 assassination plot that led to the charging of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps member by the Department of Justice in 2022.
Trump justified his decision by stating that the provided protection period was adequate, questioning the need for lifelong security details. This move comes amidst a complex history between the two figures. Bolton served as Trump's National Security Advisor from 2018 to 2019 before being dismissed due to policy disagreements. The relationship further deteriorated with Trump's criticism of Bolton, suggesting he could have instigated "World War Six" and labeling him as one of the government's "dumbest people." Bolton, in turn, questioned Trump's fitness for office in 2020, citing a lack of competency and principles beyond self-serving interests.
Bolton emphasized the persistent Iranian threat, referencing the assassination plot against him and a more recent attempt on Trump's life, leaving the public to assess the presidents' respective decisions. The Iranian threats likely originated after the January 2020 U.S. strike that eliminated Qassem Soleimani, leader of the Quds Force. The revocation of Bolton's protection underscores the strained relationship between him and Trump, marked by public disagreements and security concerns linked to international tensions.
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton and former President Donald Trump. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images; Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Former President Donald Trump and John Bolton. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
John Bolton during his time as U.S. national security advisor. (STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
