John Bolton, who served as national security adviser to former President Donald Trump before becoming an adversary, received word that Iranian threats against him were still a concern in the days leading up to Inauguration Day.
During a Thursday appearance on CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins, Bolton revealed that his Secret Service protection was renewed every six months by former President Joe Biden until it was revoked by Trump immediately after he resumed office.
“I was informed as recently as the Friday and Saturday prior to Inauguration Day that the threat level remained unchanged,” Bolton stated. “So if there were any changes to the threat level, I would be pleased if that assessment proved accurate and my protection could be lifted.”
Bolton received Secret Service protection from Biden in 2021 due to concerns that Iran might retaliate for the assassination of military leader Qassem Soleimani, ordered by Trump in 2020.
He indicated that the protection was granted to him “based on a threat assessment unrelated to how long the threat would last,” he stated.
Trump rescinded Bolton’s security due to assertions that the release of a memoir detailing his White House experiences posed risks to national security. Bolton criticized Trump extensively in The Room Where It Happened, eliciting the president’s anger.
“The book contained numerous sensitive details obtained during his government service,” Trump cited in his executive order. “The memoir’s irresponsible handling of classified information weakened future presidents’ ability to seek and receive frank advice on national security from their teams.”
Bolton noted that while the decision regarding his security ultimately rested with Trump, he felt it was “the incorrect choice.”
“It appears to stem from the reality that he is aware and displeased by my criticisms of him,” Bolton remarked. “It’s really that straightforward.”
Bolton commended Biden for maintaining his security even amidst their differences on national security issues. He also mentioned that an individual within Trump’s political circle had expressed disagreement with the president’s decision to withdraw his security.
“What does this imply for those in government about the repercussions of a new president who is sensitive to criticism?” Bolton questioned.
