President Donald Trump has rescinded security protection for former top US health official Anthony Fauci, who has received death threats for his role in the country's Covid-19 response.
Regarding the decision, Trump informed reporters, "You can't have a security detail for the rest of your life because you work for the government. It's very standard."
This week, Trump also terminated security protections for his former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and former envoy Brian Hook, all of whom faced threats from Iran.
Dr. Fauci has now arranged for his private security team at his own expense, as reported by US media.
When asked about his responsibility for the officials' safety, Trump stated, "They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security too."
Previously, Dr. Fauci was safeguarded by federal marshals and a private security company, covered by the government, as per the New York Times.
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, a prominent Republican critic of Dr. Fauci, urged for his security to be withdrawn, emphasizing the need for Fauci to bear the cost of his security arrangements.
Trump further revoked the security clearances of 51 intelligence officials who alleged that Hunter Biden's laptop exhibited characteristics of a Russian information operation.
Former presidents and their spouses are granted lifetime security protection under US protocol. However, security assessments for other officials depend on evaluations by the intelligence community.
During and after the pandemic, Dr. Fauci, former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases head, faced threats and GOP criticism. He served in the institute for four decades, including Trump's presidency, and received commendations from Trump for his work on the Operation Warp Speed task force.
Before leaving office, President Joe Biden preemptively pardoned Dr. Fauci, a gesture appreciated by the doctor, who expressed relief over the termination of potential prosecution.
Dr. Fauci emphasized his innocence, stating, "Let me be perfectly clear, I have committed no crime, and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution against me."