Trump Ends Anthony Fauci's Security Protection: 'They Can Hire Their Own Security'

In a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy, President Donald Trump has revoked the federal security protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert who advised him on the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision, announced on Friday, comes as Trump continues his retribution tour against former aides who have criticized his administration's handling of the pandemic.

Fauci, who has faced regular threats to his life for years due to his public-facing role during the COVID-19 pandemic, has received federal protection for years. However, Trump's decision to end his security detail has left Fauci vulnerable to these threats. A person familiar with the matter said that Fauci has since hired private security, but it's unclear how effective this will be in protecting him from potential harm.

The revocation of Fauci's security detail is part of a broader trend of Trump ending the federal protection for former aides who have criticized his administration. Earlier this week, Trump revoked protection details for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his top aide, Brian Hook, as well as former national security adviser John Bolton. All have faced threats from Iran since they took hard-line stances on the Islamic Republic during Trump's first administration and fell out with him in the years after he left office in 2021.

Fauci was a regular at Trump's side early in the COVID-19 outbreak but grew critical of Trump after the president tried to undermine public health guidance. Fauci faced regular threats to his life and has received federal protection for years. Bolton, Hook, and Pompeo had their security details repeatedly renewed by the Biden administration because of credible and ongoing threats from Iran. Fauci's was also repeatedly renewed by President Joe Biden, a Democrat, because of domestic threats.

Trump's decision to end Fauci's security detail has raised concerns about the safety of other former government officials who have criticized his administration. Speaking to reporters in North Carolina on Friday, Trump said he wouldn't feel any responsibility if harm befell the former government officials. "They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security, too," Trump said.

The revocation of Fauci's security detail has significant implications for his personal safety and ability to continue his work in public health. Without federal protection, Fauci may face increased threats and harassment from individuals or groups who disagree with his views or hold grudges against him. This could create a hostile environment for Fauci, making it more difficult for him to continue his work and contribute to public discourse.

Moreover, the decision could have broader implications for the scientific community and public trust in government institutions. By revoking security protection for Dr. Fauci, who has been a trusted voice in public health for decades, the Trump administration may contribute to a broader erosion of public trust in government institutions. This is particularly concerning given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of public trust in health officials for effective communication and adherence to public health guidelines.

The decision to withdraw federal security protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci has raised concerns about the safety of other former government officials who have criticized the Trump administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move comes as Trump continues his retribution tour against former aides who have criticized his administration's response to the pandemic. The revocation of Fauci's security detail has significant implications for his personal safety and ability to continue his work in public health, as well as broader implications for the scientific community and public trust in government institutions.