Trump Terminates Fauci Security Detail – Finally

President Donald Trump’s administration has terminated Dr. Anthony Fauci’s government-funded security detail, sparking a heated debate about the protection of former officials.

At a Glance

  • Trump administration ends Dr. Fauci’s taxpayer-funded security detail
  • Trump argues indefinite security for ex-officials is impractical
  • Fauci, 84, faced threats during his role in the COVID-19 response
  • Critics question the decision, citing ongoing safety concerns
  • Trump suggests former officials can afford private security

Trump Administration’s Decision

The Trump administration has made a significant move by ending the government-sponsored security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former Head of the National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Disease. The decision has ignited a fierce debate about the protection of former high-ranking officials and the appropriate use of taxpayer funds.

Fauci, who served as the Chief Medical Adviser to former President Joe Biden, had been receiving government protection since 2020. Initially, this protection was provided by U.S. Marshals, later transitioning to a taxpayer-funded private detail. The 84-year-old doctor played a crucial role in navigating the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic, which thrust him into the spotlight and made him a target for threats.

Trump’s Justification

President Donald Trump defended the decision to terminate Fauci’s security detail, emphasizing the impracticality of providing indefinite protection to former officials. Trump articulated his stance on the matter, stating, “When you work for government, at some point your security detail comes off. You can’t have them forever.”

The President further explained that the decision wasn’t limited to Fauci alone. Other high-profile former officials, including John Bolton, Trump’s former National Security Adviser, and Mike Pompeo, the former Secretary of State, have also lost their security details. The President suggested that these individuals have the financial means to arrange for their own protection, stating, “They all made a lot of money, they can hire their own security, too.”

Fauci’s Controversial Legacy

Dr. Fauci’s tenure as the nation’s top infectious disease official during the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by both praise and criticism. He served under seven U.S. Presidents, but his role during the pandemic made him a particularly contentious figure. Republicans accused Fauci of inconsistent advice on social interactions and COVID shot mandates, as well as approving federal funding for gain-of-function research, including at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Critics highlighted instances where Fauci’s early statements on mask-wearing and other COVID measures were later contradicted. Leaked emails suggested that Fauci and others were aware of the lab-leak theory early in the pandemic but attempted to discredit it.

The decision to remove Fauci’s security detail has raised concerns about his safety. Throughout the pandemic, Fauci and his family received numerous threats, including death threats. These persisted even after his retirement in 2022, leading some to question the wisdom of removing his protection.

When asked about potential harm befalling Fauci or others after the removal of their security details, Trump stated, “Certainly I would not take responsibility.”