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Senators Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham have expressed opposition to former President Donald Trump’s decision to terminate security protections for several former officials, citing ongoing risks.
Both senators, who are typically loyal to Trump, have urged him to reevaluate the matter, emphasizing the potential threats these individuals continue to face.
During an interview on January 26, Senator Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, voiced concerns over Trump’s recent actions. He specifically urged the former president to reconsider cutting protection for John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, and Brian Hook, all of whom served in senior positions during Trump’s first term.
Cotton highlighted that these individuals were involved in the planning of the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, a move that Iran has vowed to avenge.
“Those involved in the strike on Soleimani remain under existential threat. That is an undeniable reality,” Cotton stated. He emphasized that Iran's determination to retaliate against these individuals poses ongoing dangers.
The Arkansas senator warned that Trump’s decision could discourage others from serving in sensitive roles. “People advising Trump on critical matters like Iran, China, North Korea, or Mexican cartels might hesitate to implement policies if they see this happening to former officials,” Cotton explained.
Senator Lindsey Graham echoed these concerns, stating that maintaining protection for those who served the government is crucial. “If there are credible threats against these individuals, withdrawing their protection is not the right course of action,” Graham said. He added that Trump’s decision could deter qualified individuals from working in future administrations.
Trump has not publicly commented on the senators’ concerns or calls for reconsideration. The decision to cut off protection for Bolton, Pompeo, and Hook took effect last week. These officials had received extended protection during the Biden administration due to the significant threats linked to their roles in crafting hardline policies against Iran.
The termination of security for the three officials has drawn scrutiny, given the potential for retaliation from Iran. In addition, Trump also revoked protection for epidemiologist Anthony Fauci, who had been targeted with death threats due to his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, neither Cotton nor Graham mentioned Fauci while urging Trump to reconsider the other decisions.
When asked last week about the rationale behind his actions, Trump dismissed the concerns. “Do you think they should have a large security team protecting them forever? Every position comes with risks,” he responded.
Bolton, who served as national security adviser, has long been a controversial figure in Trump’s orbit. He was dismissed in 2019 and later became a vocal critic of Trump, especially after publishing a memoir that detailed his time in the administration. Trump’s administration unsuccessfully attempted to block the book's release, arguing it contained sensitive national security information.
Pompeo, the former secretary of state, has also faced tensions with Trump in recent months. Last year, Trump publicly stated that Pompeo would not have a role in his new administration, indicating a strained relationship. Meanwhile, Hook, who served as a senior policy adviser during Trump’s presidency, was recently dismissed from the Wilson Center national security research institute, reportedly under Trump’s direction.
The Biden administration had prioritized extending security measures for officials deemed at risk, particularly those involved in high-profile international conflicts. However, Trump’s recent actions mark a sharp reversal of that approach. His decision has sparked broader concerns about the implications for those who work in sensitive government positions, especially on contentious issues.
Both Cotton and Graham underscored the potential long-term effects of Trump’s decision. They warned that failing to safeguard individuals who served the government in high-risk roles could create a chilling effect, deterring qualified experts from stepping into such positions in the future.
The situation remains unresolved, with Trump showing no indication of reversing his stance. The absence of additional comments from the former president has left questions about the rationale behind his decisions and their potential implications for national security. Allies like Cotton and Graham continue to push for reconsideration, framing the issue as a matter of both safety and precedent for future administrations.
