President Donald Trump’s decision to revoke government protection for John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, and Brian Hook is a short-sighted and reckless move that undermines the safety of those who served the United States—and sets a dangerous precedent for the future. While I understand the frustration many feel toward Bolton, a polarizing figure with a reputation for hawkish foreign policy, the reality is that he faces credible threats because of actions he took on behalf of the United States under Trump’s leadership. The same applies to Pompeo and Hook, both of whom played pivotal roles in the administration’s foreign policy agenda. Removing their security is not only irresponsible but also sends the wrong message to those currently serving under Trump’s second term.
Let’s start with Bolton. While he may be a “scumbag” in the eyes of many, his life is at risk because of his role as National Security Adviser during Trump’s first term. Bolton was one of the key architects of the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani—a move that Iran has vowed to avenge. In 2022, the U.S. government thwarted an Iranian assassination plot targeting Bolton, underscoring the seriousness of the threat. It’s not a stretch to say that Bolton’s current situation is a direct result of actions taken at Trump’s direction. Revoking his protection, therefore, feels like a betrayal of someone who put their neck on the line for the administration’s policies.
Mike Pompeo’s inclusion in this decision is even more baffling. As Secretary of State, Pompeo was one of Trump’s most loyal and effective allies, helping to implement the administration’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran and playing a key role in historic diplomatic efforts, such as the meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Pompeo even spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, defending Trump’s record after the then-president narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Why would Trump now turn his back on someone who supported him so staunchly?
And let’s not forget Brian Hook, who also faces credible threats from Iran due to his work as the U.S. Special Representative for Iran. The State Department has been spending millions of dollars to provide these individuals with 24-hour security because the threats are not hypothetical—they are real, ongoing, and tied directly to their service to the United States.
By stripping these individuals of their security, Trump is setting a dangerous precedent that should concern not only his critics but also his supporters. What message does this send to those currently serving in his administration? Should newly confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for example, fear that his protection could one day be revoked if he falls out of favor with Trump? The cost of private security is astronomical, and few individuals can afford to shoulder that burden on their own. Does Trump expect those who work for him to risk financial ruin just to stay safe?
The consequences of this decision could be catastrophic—not just for Bolton, Pompeo, and Hook, but for Trump’s own presidency. If anything were to happen to these individuals, the fallout would be devastating. Imagine the scandal if a former Secretary of State or National Security Adviser were assassinated after their protection was revoked. It would not only be a personal tragedy but also a political disaster for Trump, raising serious questions about his judgment and leadership.
This isn’t just about personal grudges or political payback. Yes, Trump has every right to revoke security clearances from the 51 intelligence officials who signed the letter downplaying the Hunter Biden laptop story in 2020. Those individuals lied to the American people and arguably influenced the outcome of the election. But this situation is different. Bolton and Pompeo are facing life-or-death threats because of their service to the country, not because they made politically motivated statements or engaged in partisan gamesmanship.
Revoking their protection feels like retribution, especially in Bolton’s case. But even if there’s personal animosity involved, Trump needs to set that aside and do the right thing. Restoring protection to these individuals until the threat subsides is not just a moral obligation—it’s a matter of national security. Anything less undermines the trust and loyalty of those who serve in government, now and in the future.
Trump’s decision is a mistake—one that he needs to correct immediately. The risks are too great, and the potential consequences are too dire. This is a time for Trump to show leadership, not pettiness. Reversing course might not win him any points with Bolton haters or those who see Pompeo as a political rival, but it would send a powerful message: that those who serve the United States, even under difficult and dangerous circumstances, can count on their government to have their backs. Anything less is unacceptable.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this piece are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations or individuals. This analysis is based on publicly available information and recent reports regarding the revocation of security protection for John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, and Brian Hook. While efforts have been made to provide accurate and balanced commentary, interpretations of the events and their implications are subjective. Readers are encouraged to independently verify all claims and form their own conclusions. This article does not advocate for or against any specific political figure or policy but aims to highlight potential consequences and ethical considerations of the decision in question.
