Trump removes security for Iran-targeted ex‑officials
Donald Trump made the decision to withdraw protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former envoy to Iran Brian Hook. Both were targets of planned attacks by Iran, as confirmed by "The New York Times." Previously, a similar decision affected John Bolton, former National Security Advisor.
Pompeo and Hook lost Secret Service protection on Tuesday, the day after Bolton's was removed. The threat arises from Iran's retaliation for the killing of General Qasem Soleimani. US intelligence warned that Trump is also at risk.
Trump also threatened by attack
John Bolton, who has been in conflict with Trump, expressed disappointment with the President's decision. Pompeo, the former head of diplomacy and the CIA, and Hook, the special envoy for Iran, were closely associated with the Trump administration, but held no roles after the elections.
All three were known as anti-Iranian "hawks." In the Pentagon, the new official for the Middle East is Michael DiMino, who has a more moderate approach to Iran.
Trump commented that Bolton had enjoyed protection long enough and questioned the sense of providing it to former officials for life.
