Former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and his senior assistant, Brian Hook, who were known for their unyielding positions against Iran during Trump’s reign, have had their governmental security details withdrawn by President Donald Trump. This information comes from a congressional employee and another source acquainted with the situation, both choosing to remain anonymous as they revealed aspects of personal security arrangements. According to them, both Pompeo and Hook were informed of the impending termination of their protection on Wednesday, and by 11 p.m. on the same night, they were devoid of their security privileges.
This unexpected move is a clear example of Trump’s immediate actions since retaking the Oval office, as he appears to be focusing on those he sees as challengers. This isn’t the first incidence of such a measure under Trump’s current administration. As a matter of fact, just a day before, Trump had also taken the decision to withdraw the security clearance and Secret Service protection from John Bolton, who served as Trump’s National Security Adviser in his first term but was dismissed from this role.
Bolton, the author of a book the White House tried in vain to stop from publication claiming it revealed national security affairs, made a public statement expressing his dissatisfaction with the decision but was not taken aback by it. Much like Pompeo and Hook, Bolton is on Iran’s crosshairs. This situation arises from his known opposition to Iran, a stance that has culminated in threats to his life facilitated by Iran.
In addition to Bolton, Trump also annulled security clearances for numerous former intelligence officials who were part of a group that issued a 2020 letter implying that the whole Hunter Biden laptop incident had the characteristics of a ‘Russian information operation.’ Previously, Trump had demonstrated his displeasure with Pompeo a few months back, stating that Pompeo would have absolutely nothing to do with his administration. The hair-trigger decision-making extended to Hook as well, who was unceremoniously dismissed from his position on the board of the Wilson Center, a think tank, as announced in a recent social media post.
When queried about the withdrawal of security protection for Pompeo and Hook, Trump questioned the necessity of maintaining large security details for life, stating that there are inherent risks in everything. The sentiment was not dissimilar to his response when asked why he chose to revoke Bolton’s security cover.
The Biden administration’s State Department had renewed protection for Pompeo and Hook via the Diplomatic Security Service quite systematically since they left office with Trump on Jan. 21, 2021. The most recent extension of such a provision was granted on Oct. 21. Pompeo and Hook had made a name for themselves due to their endorsement and participation in the U.S. ‘maximum pressure’ campaign against Iran. This strategy was implemented after Trump took the decision to depart from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, an action that granted a respite from sanctions in return for Iran severely restricting their nuclear program.
Both Pompeo and Hook have been blamed by Iran for the demise of Iran Revolutionary Guard commander Qassem Soleimani on Jan. 3, 2020. The information reveals that they remained in danger, owing to Iran’s continuous threat, as a result of their overt opposition to Iran and the role they played in Soleimani’s killing. Though Trump’s swift and seemingly irresponsible acts post his return to the White House can be construed as hostile, it is also true that his predecessors failed to address the necessary changes required in antique security policies.
In response to a report presented to Congress in March 2022, the State Department revealed that the monthly cost of round-the-clock protection provided to Pompeo and Hook exceeded the $2 million mark. However, details regarding the total cost were not specified in subsequent reviews. As per the correspondence, the department continued to stress the ‘serious and credible’ threats circling Pompeo and Hook, thereby justifying the continuation of government-led security measures.
Trump’s rash decision comes in spite of the Biden administration’s attempts to inform Trump officials about the current threat posed by Iran to Pompeo, Hook, Bolton and others. This briefing, focusing on why such security provisions were still in place, likely fell on unyielding ears. One official, requesting anonymity, squarely labeled the move by Trump’s administration as ‘highly irresponsible,’ given that they were briefed about the ‘active threats’ against former governmental entities.