Why Trump Defrocked 50 National-Security Officials
AtlanticJAN 20
Trump Strips Ex-Officials of Security Detail Despite Iran Threats
Above: Former Sec. of State Mike Pompeo is seen speaking during a conference at Auvers-Sur-Oise, France on Jan. 9, 2025. Image copyright: Siavosh Hosseini/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Donald Trump's withdrawal of Mike Pompeo and Brian Hook's security details is practical, and is consistent with the president's earlier stand against indefinite government funded protection. It underscores concerns over balancing cost, safety, and accountability for former top officials. There's risk involved in almost everything at such senior administrative levels, and security can't be provided forever.
Anti-Trump narrative
Pres. Donald Trump's move is a shocking betrayal that leaves former officials exposed to credible Iranian assassination threats. Despite knowing these officials face genuine mortal danger — with Iran willing to pay hundreds of thousands to "eliminate" them — Trump chose callousness out of petty personal animus, brazenly disregarding his former aides' safety and fundamental duty of care to those who served him.