Cotton urged Trump to reconsider this decision, specifically regarding former National Security Adviser John Bolton, ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Brian Hook, a past senior policy adviser under Pompeo. These three have been linked to the planning and execution of the controversial drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in January 2020. During his appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Cotton highlighted the ongoing threats facing anyone involved in the strike, emphasizing that Iran remains committed to avenging Soleimani’s death.
Last week, Trump formally revoked the security protections for Bolton, Pompeo, and Hook, despite ongoing credible threats to their lives stemming from their firm stances against Iran during Trump’s presidency. The Biden administration had been responsible for continually extending these protections based on intelligence assessments indicating that the former officials were still being targeted by Iran. Cotton noted that recent intelligence reports affirm these men remain at risk, reflecting a troubling trend of Trump targeting individuals he considers opponents shortly after his return to the presidency.
Bolton, who was dismissed from his role in 2019, has been critical of Trump in the past, even releasing a book that the administration attempted to prevent from being published, claiming it contained sensitive national security information. Additionally, Trump had publicly distanced himself from Pompeo, asserting that he would not play a role in the new administration. Hook also experienced repercussions, as he was recently ousted from his position on the Wilson Center’s board, a think tank focused on national security issues.
Cotton remarked on the larger implications of Trump’s decision, stating that it’s vital to prioritize safety, not just for the former officials but for their families and anyone who might find themselves in proximity to them in public spaces. Furthermore, he pointed out the potential chilling effect this could have on Trump’s capability to recruit competent advisors in the future, as prospective candidates might be deterred from accepting roles due to concerns over their security.
He cautioned that these decisions could hinder Trump’s ability to receive valuable advice, which is essential for executing his policies effectively. In response to inquiries regarding his stance on security details, Trump remarked to reporters, “Do you want to have a large detail of people guarding people for the rest of their lives? I mean, there’s risks to everything.” The exchange underscores the tension between maintaining security for key political figures and the perceived need for limiting such measures.
