Trump Yanks Security Detail for Fauci—Who’s Now Paying Himself

Dr. Anthony Fauci (L), and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Drew Angerer / Getty Images

The Trump administration removed Dr. Anthony Fauci’s security detail on Thursday night, the latest former top official to lose protection.

“You can’t have it forever,” Trump said on Friday.

Fauci, who was the nation’s top infectious disease expert and worked alongside Donald Trump during the pandemic, has received several threats against his life. In May 2022, a man pleaded guilty to sending emails to Fauci and other government officials threatening to kill them and their families.

Earlier this week, Trump yanked the security detail for John Bolton, his former national security adviser who later became an outspoken critic of the president.

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When asked by a reporter if he would feel responsible if anything happened to Fauci or Bolton, Trump said no.

“They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security,” he said.

Bolton was protected by the Secret Service, while Fauci protected by federal marshals. Fauci was later guarded by a private contractor who was paid for by the government.

A source told ABC News that Fauci has hired his own security detail that he will pay for himself.

The move comes after Trump revoked the security details for his former secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, and former aide Brian Hook. Both men have been threatened by Iran because of their work during Trump’s first administration.