Former National Security Adviser John Bolton has lost both his security clearance and Secret Service protection, as President Donald Trump moves to remove what he describes as “deep-state actors” from positions of influence.
The decision comes amid Trump’s ongoing efforts to reshape the federal government and hold former officials accountable for actions deemed detrimental to national security.
Shortly after Trump assumed office, the Secret Service detail assigned to Bolton was terminated.
President Trump on John Bolton who he stripped of his Secret Service detail earlier today:
“That was enough time.. I thought he was a very dumb person… He was a warmonger… one of those guys… a stupid guy.”
pic.twitter.com/OkPhjBKIUO— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 21, 2025
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Bolton responded on X, formerly Twitter, expressing his dissatisfaction with the decision while contrasting Trump’s actions with those of his successor, Joe Biden.
“I am disappointed but not surprised that President Trump has decided to terminate the protection previously provided by the United States Secret Service,” Bolton wrote.
He noted that Biden extended his protection in 2021 despite Bolton’s public criticisms of Biden’s national-security policies.
Bolton referenced the continuing threats to his safety, citing a 2022 criminal case against an Iranian Revolutionary Guard official accused of attempting to hire a hitman to target him.
“That threat remains today, as also demonstrated by the recent arrest of someone trying to arrange for President Trump’s own assassination,” Bolton stated.
“The American people can judge for themselves which President made the right call.”
I am disappointed but not surprised that President Trump has decided to terminate the protection previously provided by the United States Secret Service. Notwithstanding my criticisms of President Biden’s national-security policies, he nonetheless made the decision to extend…
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 21, 2025
In addition to losing his Secret Service protection, Bolton’s security clearance was revoked following the publication of his 2019 memoir, which detailed his time in the Trump administration.
Not only did President Trump pull John Bolton’s security clearance, but he also pulled his security detail.
Now it’s time to pull the security detail of Anthony Fauci. pic.twitter.com/OqHU9gElou
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) January 21, 2025
The book, titled The Room Where It Happened, was criticized for allegedly including classified information.
An executive order issued by Trump outlines the rationale for revoking Bolton’s clearance:
“National security is also damaged by the publication of classified information. Former National Security Adviser John R. Bolton published a memoir for monetary gain after he was terminated from his White House position in 2019. The book was rife with sensitive information drawn from his time in government. The memoir’s reckless treatment of sensitive information undermined the ability of future presidents to request and obtain candid advice on matters of national security from their staff. Publication also created a grave risk that classified material was publicly exposed.”
The order also linked Bolton’s actions to broader efforts to address security concerns within the federal government, stating, “To remedy these abuses of the public trust, this Order directs the revocation of any active or current security clearances held by: (i) the former intelligence officials who engaged in misleading and inappropriate political coordination with the 2020 Biden presidential campaign; and (ii) John R. Bolton.”
Bolton’s tenure as National Security Adviser ended in 2019 when he was dismissed from the position.
Since then, he has remained a vocal critic of Trump, while facing scrutiny over his decision to publish a tell-all memoir that included potentially sensitive information.
The revocation of Bolton’s security clearance and Secret Service detail showcases the Trump administration’s commitment to addressing perceived lapses in trust and transparency among former officials.
The actions highlight ongoing tensions between Trump and Bolton, whose public disagreements continue to draw significant attention.
Trump absolutely savages “nutjob” John Bolton…
Trump ran against the Iraq War, humiliated the Bush family, and refused to get the USA into any new wars
That’s why the regime hates him pic.twitter.com/cLaBnuwNMu
— Darren J. Beattie (@DarrenJBeattie) January 26, 2023
As debates over national security, classified information, and executive accountability persist, the decisions regarding Bolton are likely to remain a flashpoint in broader discussions about governance and public trust.
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