In a controversial move, Former President Donald Trump has revoked the Secret Service protection previously granted to his ex-national security adviser, John Bolton. This decision, which takes effect on Tuesday, has raised alarms due to Bolton's previous status as a target of an Iranian assassination plot, particularly after his role in the Trump administration and criticism of the current national security policies.

Bolton expressed disappointment at the decision, stating, "I am disappointed but not surprised that President Trump has decided to terminate the protection previously provided by the United States Secret Service." He also noted that any imminent threat to his life remains potent, following the 2022 indictment of a member of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps for plotting a hit against him.

In a statement defending his actions, Trump remarked that, “We’re not going to have security on people for the rest of their lives,” dismissing concerns raised by Bolton and others. In response, he described Bolton as “very dumb” but admitted to utilizing him strategically during his presidency. The former president's comments include criticisms of Bolton's legacy, suggesting he played a significant role in the destabilization of the Middle East.

Bolton's apprehension about his safety stems from a history of threats and recent events that indicate ongoing animosity from Iran towards former U.S. officials involved in military actions against the country. He reflected on the Iranian killing of general Qassem Soleimani and the motivations behind the alleged assassination plot aimed at him.

Despite having been critical of President Biden's administration, Bolton acknowledged that Biden extended Secret Service protection to him following the surfacing of Iranian threats in 2021. With the recent revocation of his security detail, Bolton now fears for his life, emphasizing that he is taking personal measures to ensure his safety. The implications of this decision could ripple through the political landscape as concerns grow over the treatment and protection of former senior officials amid partisan divisions.

For more details, visit the original reports from Daily Beast, HuffPost, Times of India, and SCMP.