Staff Reports
In a bold move that showcases his commitment to trimming government expenditures and holding former aides accountable, Donald Trump has decided to revoke the taxpayer-funded security details for Mike Pompeo and a couple of his associates, including John Bolton. Say goodbye to lavish Secret Service protection, as it appears the former president is not interested in granting security privileges to individuals who may not have a place in his vision for the future.
Normally, security for ex-presidents is a default arrangement, but as the saying goes, “There’s a new sheriff in town.” This latest move from Trump turns the conventional wisdom of post-White House protective measures on its head. Anyone outside the close circle of former presidents and their spouses might want to start keeping an eye on their wallets, especially since the former national security adviser Bolton is reportedly “very upset” about footing his own security bill now that Uncle Sam has closed the door on his taxpayer-funded protection.
Very good – Donald Trump Revokes Mike Pompeo's Taxpayer-Funded Security Detail https://t.co/JQpzBgopeN
— Hugh S. (@netcynergy) January 24, 2025
The reasons for this revocation seem twofold. First, Trump is sending a loud and clear message that he means business when it comes to his inner circle. Former aides who were a part of Pompeo’s team in the first term might want to think twice before assuming they’ll receive special treatment. And if they thought the threats they faced warranted state protection, they might want to reconsider their line of work—especially in an administration marked by its more limited trust in those who served under previous leadership.
Moreover, this action is a mini-celebration of fiscal responsibility. Taxpayer dollars won’t be used to pad the lifestyles of Washington insiders who have made their way into the hall of fame for backstabbing. Bolton, who had his own reasons for raising eyebrows during his tenure, publicly expressed disappointment in Trump’s newfound policy, but wasting taxpayer money is certainly not going to win any accolades in this day and age.
All of this begs an intriguing question: Does the Biden administration’s prior granting of special security privileges signal its own sense of entitlement for its former aides? With Trump’s decision, the implications are loud and clear: just because you once had a job doesn’t mean you’re an untouchable. It appears the days of protecting perpetual Washington insiders at taxpayer expense might be coming to a swift end, and let’s be honest, it’s about time. If only more politicians would be held accountable to the same standard.
