John Bolton, former National Security Adviser, finds himself caught between two presidents’ differing approaches to his personal security amid Iranian threats.
At a Glance
- President Trump terminated Bolton’s Secret Service protection shortly after taking office
- Bolton expressed disappointment but not surprise at Trump’s decision
- President Biden reinstated Bolton’s protection in 2021 due to ongoing threats
- An Iranian Revolutionary Guard official was charged with plotting to assassinate Bolton in 2022
- Bolton suggests the public can judge which President made the correct decision
Trump’s Decision to Terminate Protection
On his second day in office, President Donald Trump made the controversial decision to terminate Secret Service protection for John Bolton, his former National Security Adviser. This move came despite Bolton facing serious threats from Iran following his departure from the Trump administration in November 2019.
“I am disappointed but not surprised,” John Bolton said in response.
Does he even need it, anyway?
Well, some people say he does. In 2022, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard official was charged with attempting to hire a hitman to assassinate him.
“That threat remains today, as also demonstrated by the recent arrest of someone trying to arrange for President Trump’s own assassination,” John Bolton said.
In a stark contrast to his predecessor’s approach, President Joe Biden chose to reinstate Bolton’s protective measures in 2021. This decision came despite Bolton’s vocal criticisms of Biden’s national security policies, highlighting the administration’s prioritization of personal safety over political differences.
“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,” John Bolton said.
The contrasting decisions made by Trump and Biden regarding Bolton’s security have sparked debate about the role of personal politics in matters of national security. Bolton himself has invited public scrutiny of these decisions, suggesting that the American people are capable of judging which president made the right call.
“The American people can judge for themselves which President made the right call,” John Bolton said.
This saga raises important questions about the balance between political disagreements and the obligation to protect those who have served in high-level national security positions. It also highlights the ongoing threats faced by former officials, even years after leaving their posts.
What do you think – was this the right decision?