Trump revokes protections for Pompeo, Brian Hook, Bolton
US President Donald Trump has revoked government security protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Iran envoy Brian Hook.
A congressional staffer and a person familiar with the matter on Thursday confirmed earlier reports that Pompeo's security detail had been withdrawn.
They said that Pompeo and Hook were told of the loss of protection on Wednesday and that it took effect at 11 p.m. that night.
Citing four sources familiar with the situation, the New York Times first reported that security for Pompeo, as well as Hook, was pulled on Tuesday.
Trump said this week that he had withdrawn protection for his former national security adviser, John Bolton, telling reporters: "We are not going to have security on people for the rest of their lives."
Bolton was fired as Trump’s national security adviser during his first term.
Bolton later wrote a book whose publication the White House unsuccessfully sought to block on grounds that it disclosed national security information.
Bolton said in a statement that he was disappointed but not surprised by the decision.
All three men served in Trump's first administration and led policy on Iran in particular.
It's another sign of steps Trump is taking just days into his return to the White House to target those he has perceived as adversaries.
Trump also revoked security clearances for dozens of former intelligence officials who signed a 2020 letter saying the Hunter Biden laptop saga bore the hallmarks of a “Russian information operation.”
Trump had soured on Pompeo some months ago, saying publicly that he would play no role in his new administration.
Trump earlier this week also said he had "fired" Hook from a post at the congressionally-chartered Wilson Center diplomacy think tank. Hook has not responded to requests for comment.
Asked about the decision to end Pompeo and Hook’s security, Trump replied to reporters: “Do you want to have a large detail of people guarding people for the rest of their lives? I mean, there’s risks to everything.”
That language was similar to the explanation he gave when asked about Bolton's security detail.
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