Republicans Urge Trump to Reconsider Revoking Security Clearances of Former Officials

January 28, 2025 TruthUSA

Several Republican lawmakers are responding to President Donald Trump’s decision to terminate the personal security details of former senior officials.

They voiced their apprehension regarding Trump’s recent action to withdraw government-funded protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and his senior aide Brian Hook.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) stated that the Senate should investigate Trump’s decision, given the genuine threats faced by these former officials.

“Regardless of your opinion on Bolton or anyone else, we need to ensure that if you serve in our government and take action at the request of the administration, we do not abandon you,” Graham emphasized during an interview with CNN. “I believe the Senate needs to assess the situation and determine the best path forward.”

Graham mentioned that security details should be allocated only when deemed necessary, and he also believes that revoking protection could hinder recruitment of officials in the future.

Representative Mike Turner (R-Oh.) was queried about whether Trump should rethink his decision during an interview on Face the Nation on Sunday.

“Well, I’m definitely very worried about Mike Pompeo,” Turner remarked.

Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, also urged Trump to reconsider the decision.

“The danger to anyone who was part of President Trump’s operation against Qasem Soleimani is ongoing and significant,” Cotton stated during an interview with Fox News. “Iran is intent on revenge against all of these individuals.”

Trump has defended his choice to withdraw their protection.

“Once you have protection, it can’t be a lifeline forever,” he told reporters in the Oval Office on January 23. “Do we really want to maintain a permanent security detail for individuals indefinitely? There are risks in everything.”

While visiting storm-affected areas in North Carolina last week, Trump was questioned about his potential responsibility if something were to occur to Bolton or Fauci now that they are no longer protected. He reaffirmed his stance.

“No. No. They’ve all earned a lot of money. They can employ their own security as well. All the individuals you mention can seek out; I can supply them with contacts for reputable security personnel. They’ve all profited significantly. Fauci has also made a considerable amount,” Trump added.

Trump has critiqued Fauci’s leadership during the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Before leaving office, former President Joe Biden preemptively extended a pardon to Fauci. Fauci testified in a House hearing about the death threats he has faced linked to “COVID-19 conspiracy theories.”

Trump withdrew Bolton’s protection following his departure from the administration in the first term, which Biden later reinstated.

Bolton, a critic of the Iranian government, played a role in the United States’ 2018 exit from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly referred to as the Iran nuclear deal.

He expressed disappointment yet no surprise regarding Trump’s decision.

“In 2022, the Justice Department charged an Iranian Revolutionary Guard official for attempting to hire a hitman to target me,” Bolton shared in a post on X on January 21.

“That threat persists today, as illustrated by the recent arrest of an individual who attempted to arrange for the assassination of President Trump. The American public can decide for themselves which president made the right choice.”

Jackson Richman contributed to this report.

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