Trump Will Regret Recklessly Removing Security from Mike Pompeo and Others Targeted by Iran

On Tuesday, newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth terminated the personal security detail for retired Gen. Mark Milley, following President Trump’s decision to withdraw protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, and Iran envoy Brian Hook.

The Trump administration is taking this step despite ongoing threats against their lives from the Iranian regime, which is both reckless and myopic — this decision should be reversed immediately.

What’s the reason for this move?

In January 2020, Trump authorized a military strike that eliminated Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force commander, in Iraq.

According to the Pentagon, Soleimani was “responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more.”

Trump remarked at the time, “Soleimani was plotting imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel, but we caught him in the act and terminated him.”

The Iranian regime was outraged by the loss of its chief terrorist architect.

Days later, it retaliated with a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting two bases in northern Iraq, leading to traumatic brain injuries for over 100 American soldiers.

However, Tehran was not satisfied with this action.

Since that time, the regime has vocalized intentions to execute numerous senior American officials involved in the strike, including Trump himself.

As a sitting president, Trump benefits from lifetime security.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Pompeo, Bolton, Milley, and Hook.

When confronted by reporters regarding his decision last week, Trump responded with surprising nonchalance.

“When you have protection, you can’t have it for the rest of your life,” he remarked, seemingly unaware that he himself benefits from such protection indefinitely.

Trump may not fully grasp the patience of the vengeful Iranian regime.

In 1989, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa condemning author Salman Rushdie for his book “The Satanic Verses,” published a year earlier.

More than three decades later, in August 2022, Rushdie was attacked and stabbed multiple times while preparing to give a lecture.

The indictment of the assailant indicated the intention to carry out Khomeini’s fatwa.

In the realm of former U.S. officials, the duration of time is less significant than the ongoing threat they face due to their official actions while serving under their commander-in-chief.

If the danger persists for these individuals, so too should their protection. Period.

Some may contend that the perceived threat to these figures is exaggerated.

This aligns with Trump’s perspective.

“I mean there are risks to everything,” he stated with indifference.

This response betrays a misunderstanding of the real hazards these former officials face, showcasing a troubling disregard for their well-being.

Sen. Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas and no anti-Trump adversary, disagrees with any implication that the threat is overblown.

“As chairman of the Intelligence Committee, I’ve reviewed recent intelligence assessments,” Cotton shared with Fox News on Sept. 26.

“The threat against anyone involved in President Trump’s actions against Qassem Soleimani is ongoing. It’s real. Iran is resolute in seeking revenge against all of these individuals.”

In December, the State Department informed Congress that threats directed at Pompeo and Hook were deemed “serious and credible,” justifying the continuation of state-provided security.

So, if the threats persist, what’s truly happening?

The answer is grave and disheartening: President Trump disapproves of some public statements made by these officials.

Mr. President, if you disagree with their comments, articulate your perspective on why you think they are misguided — or even better, redirect your efforts towards your policy agenda aimed at benefiting Americans.

But whatever course you choose, please do not strengthen the Iranian terrorist regime’s hand or jeopardize our fellow citizens’ safety.

This decision is beneath the dignity of your office.

If tragedy strikes and these individuals are harmed or perish, Mr. President, the accountability will lie squarely with you — and that would forever stain your legacy.

Mr. President, our adversary is Iran, not fellow citizens who hold differing opinions.

We urge you to acknowledge this reality and revoke this precarious order before it becomes irreversible.

Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, with Bradley Bowman serving as senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power.