President Donald Trump on Friday defended the removal of government-provided security for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former top infectious disease official, stating that security cannot be guaranteed indefinitely for those who work in government.
Speaking at a press briefing in North Carolina, Trump was questioned about reports that he had withdrawn Fauci’s security detail. Fauci has received threats during the pandemic. Playing a leading role in the US COVID-19 response, he is widely acclaimed by public health experts but often criticized by Trump and many Republicans.
“When you work for the government, your security detail comes off at some point. You can’t have it forever,” Trump said. He said further, “We’ve taken security away from others as well. People can’t expect lifelong protection just because they worked for the government.”
Fauci received security first through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) after retirement; he held one of the most top positions until retiring in 2022. First to break out that Trump withdrew the protection covering Fauci as he ignited fire on the removal process.
He follows other few of his people including former national security adviser John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Iran envoy Brian Hook.
When asked if he would take responsibility should harm come to Fauci or other officials, Trump responded, “No. They’ve all made a lot of money and can hire their own security. Certainly, I would not take responsibility.”
The decision to strip former officials of their security details is the latest development in an ongoing saga surrounding Trump’s treatment of former administration members and their safety in the face of public threats.