Trump stands by his choice to withdraw security detail from former assistants
The action follows Trump's signing of an executive order that revoked clearance for 49 former intelligence officials just days earlier.
TroibNews 
President Donald Trump defended his choice to revoke the security details of several former top advisers, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, despite concerns about ongoing threats from Iran.
Earlier this week, John Bolton, who served as Trump’s national security adviser during his first term, revealed that Trump had removed his security detail. The New York Times reported on Thursday that the president also rescinded details for Pompeo and Brian Hook, a senior aide to Pompeo.
When asked about his decision, Trump stated during a press conference in the Oval Office, “When you have protection you can't have it for the rest of your life, do you want to have a large detail of people guarding people for the rest of their lives?”
Two sources familiar with the decision, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, confirmed to PMG that Pompeo’s security detail had been withdrawn. A spokesperson for Pompeo declined to comment, and Hook did not respond to a request for feedback. While PMG has not independently verified Hook’s security arrangements, the president did not deny the withdrawal on Thursday.
Trump had previously signed an executive order on his first day in office to revoke the clearances of 49 former intelligence officials, specifically mentioning Bolton. Bolton indicated that his security detail was removed on Tuesday after having been under Secret Service protection due to concerns over retaliation for his hardline stance on Iran.
Both Pompeo and Hook had received security protection due to their "maximum pressure" strategy on Iran during Trump’s presidency, which included a U.S. airstrike that killed Qassem Soleimani, a leader of Iran’s paramilitary forces. The Biden administration continued to provide security for these former Trump officials due to the ongoing threats they face.
Federal prosecutors alleged late last year that the Iranian government had ordered an operative to assassinate Trump prior to the 2024 election.
Despite these serious concerns, Trump supported his decision by saying, “There’s risks to everything.”
He has also openly criticized Pompeo's role in his administration. Hook, who had been set to work with Trump’s transition team, stopped his involvement after the election, and Trump publicly dismissed him from his appointment at the Wilson International Center for Scholars, a Washington think tank.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
Earlier this week, John Bolton, who served as Trump’s national security adviser during his first term, revealed that Trump had removed his security detail. The New York Times reported on Thursday that the president also rescinded details for Pompeo and Brian Hook, a senior aide to Pompeo.
When asked about his decision, Trump stated during a press conference in the Oval Office, “When you have protection you can't have it for the rest of your life, do you want to have a large detail of people guarding people for the rest of their lives?”
Two sources familiar with the decision, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, confirmed to PMG that Pompeo’s security detail had been withdrawn. A spokesperson for Pompeo declined to comment, and Hook did not respond to a request for feedback. While PMG has not independently verified Hook’s security arrangements, the president did not deny the withdrawal on Thursday.
Trump had previously signed an executive order on his first day in office to revoke the clearances of 49 former intelligence officials, specifically mentioning Bolton. Bolton indicated that his security detail was removed on Tuesday after having been under Secret Service protection due to concerns over retaliation for his hardline stance on Iran.
Both Pompeo and Hook had received security protection due to their "maximum pressure" strategy on Iran during Trump’s presidency, which included a U.S. airstrike that killed Qassem Soleimani, a leader of Iran’s paramilitary forces. The Biden administration continued to provide security for these former Trump officials due to the ongoing threats they face.
Federal prosecutors alleged late last year that the Iranian government had ordered an operative to assassinate Trump prior to the 2024 election.
Despite these serious concerns, Trump supported his decision by saying, “There’s risks to everything.”
He has also openly criticized Pompeo's role in his administration. Hook, who had been set to work with Trump’s transition team, stopped his involvement after the election, and Trump publicly dismissed him from his appointment at the Wilson International Center for Scholars, a Washington think tank.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
