Editorials or opinion pieces from major media outlets

Trump Revokes Secret Service Protection for Bolton, Pompeo, and Hook Amid Iranian Threats Over Soleimani Killing

Jan 24, 2025, 05:09 PM

President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for former national security adviser John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former special envoy for Iran Brian Hook. Bolton has condemned the move as a political decision, emphasizing that he continues to face threats from Iran, which he attributes to actions taken during his tenure in the Trump administration, including the assassination of Qasem Soleimani in 2020. The decision to end the protection has been criticized by various media outlets and figures, including The Wall Street Journal's editorial board, which called it a 'vindictive whim' and a 'new low.' The Free Press, led by Bari Weiss, accused Trump of weakening America and emboldening Iran by pulling security details from former officials who are at risk due to their roles in the Trump administration's foreign policy, particularly the assassination of Qasem Soleimani. Iranian operative Shahram Poursafi attempted to pay $300,000 to have Bolton killed on US soil. Trump has dismissed concerns about the safety of these former officials, suggesting they can afford their own security.