In a surprising move shortly after resuming presidency, President Donald Trump terminated the Secret Service protection of his former national security adviser John Bolton. Bolton confirmed this decision, expressing disappointment but stating he was not surprised given his contentious history with Trump. “Notwithstanding my criticisms of President Biden's national-security policies, he nonetheless made the decision to extend that protection to me in 2021,” Bolton commented, reflecting on the risks he faces from ongoing threats, particularly from Iran, where an alleged assassination plot against him has emerged in recent years.

The notification regarding the revocation of his security detail was given to Bolton with less than a day’s notice. “They called me… at about 11:30 p.m. last night,” Bolton said in an interview, recounting his alarm at the abrupt termination of his protection amid high-risk circumstances. The Iranian government has previously been linked to threats against Bolton, particularly following the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, for which Bolton was a target.

Reflecting on Trump's decision, Bolton noted the parallels between his situation and threats against Trump himself. “That threat remains today,” he stated, referencing not only his own concerns but also the recent arrest related to an alleged plot against Trump. Bolton's comments highlight a broader concern regarding the safety of political figures associated with contentious international events.

Trump justified the move by stating, “We’re not going to have security on people for the rest of their lives,” describing Bolton in unflattering terms as a “very dumb person.” The White House has yet to comment further on the implications of this decision.

In addition to revoking Bolton's Secret Service protection, Trump ordered the removal of his security clearance and criticized his actions and public stance during both his administration and beyond. Today, Bolton stands vulnerable amid rising tensions, leaving many to question whether political actions have placed a substantial target on his back.

For more details, please refer to the original articles from CNN, Newsweek, and CBS News.