
In an unexpected move, former President Donald Trump revoked Dr. Anthony Fauci’s federal security detail.
At a Glance
- President Trump revoked the federal security protection for Dr. Fauci.
- Fauci continues to face threats due to his role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Trump asserted that government employees cannot have perpetual security.
- Fauci has hired private security at his own expense.
- Biden issued preemptive pardons to Fauci and others before leaving office.
Security Detail Revoked
Trump revoked the federal security protection for Dr. Fauci, the former top U.S. health official. This detail was initially provided by the National Institutes of Health due to threats faced by Fauci during his public role in the pandemic response. The security, revoked on a Thursday night, was provided by federal marshals and a private security contractor, not the Secret Service and was paid for by the public.
Fauci has been the center of controversy throughout the pandemic, facing blame for perceived mismanagement of the federal response. These controversies have resulted in a consistent barrage of threats, which prompted the initial request for NIH-provided security. With the detail revoked, Fauci will most likely hire private security at his own expense.
Trump’s Justifications
Trump justified the removal by stating, “I think when you work for government, at some point your security detail comes off, and you know, you can’t have them forever,” during a hurricane response briefing in Asheville. He also mentioned that individuals like Fauci who have earned significantly during their careers have the means to hire personal security. Trump even offered to provide contacts for reputable private security firms.
“They can hire their own security too. … I can give them some good numbers of very good security people,” Trump added. “Fauci made a lot of money. They all did.” – President Trump – Source
The action falls in line with Trump’s recent pattern of retracting security details for officials who opposed his policies, including John Bolton and Mike Pompeo. He stated unequivocally that federal resources cannot provide indefinite security to government employees post-tenure.
Hope he also took away Dr. (Mengele) #fauci security detail too
Trump revokes John Bolton's Secret Service detail amid Iranian death threats: former national security advisor https://t.co/dfAyuMRgdS #FoxNews
— Gary C. Bizzo 🇨🇦 (@garybizzo) January 22, 2025
Biden’s Preemptive Pardons
Before leaving office, President Joe Biden took an unusual step by issuing preemptive pardons to Fauci, along with members of his family and the House January 6 Committee. Public reactions varied with criticism describing it as a political maneuvering away from potential investigations or prosecutions, which, as Biden asserts, “can irreparably damage reputations and finances.”
“Even when individuals have done nothing wrong — and in fact have done the right thing — and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances.” – Biden – Source
The political climate surrounding these developments remains tense, especially amid a backdrop of escalating discussions concerning the deployment of federal resources and the responsibilities of public officials post-service. Fauci expressed gratitude for the pardon, though critics argue it implies an admission of guilt.