The Wall Street Journal editorial board strongly criticized President Donald Trump this week for his decision to revoke Secret Service protections for former officials who have publicly broken with him. The board described Trump’s actions as a “vindictive whim” and warned of the potential consequences.
Among those affected is former National Security Adviser John Bolton, who lost his Secret Service detail despite federal prosecutors confirming that Bolton was the target of an Iranian assassination plot. Trump dismissed the threat, telling reporters, “We’re not going to have security on people for the rest of their lives—why should we?” He added, referring to Bolton, “He’s a very dumb person.”
Bolton expressed disappointment but little surprise at the decision. “Notwithstanding my criticisms of President Biden’s national-security policies, he nonetheless made the decision to once again extend Secret Service protection to me in 2021,” Bolton told CNN.
Reports also emerged Thursday that Trump revoked Secret Service protections for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his top aide Brian Hook, both of whom have faced documented Iranian threats.
The Wall Street Journal condemned Trump’s moves, writing, “The possibility of falling out of President Trump’s good graces is an occupational hazard for good people who serve in his Administration, but this looks like a new low.”
The editorial board stressed that security decisions should be based on objective threat assessments rather than personal grievances. “Decisions about security details are supposed to be made based on neutral assessments of the danger, not some vindictive whim,” the board stated. They also warned that if any of the affected individuals were targeted in an attack, Trump “won’t be able to escape some responsibility.”
The Journal has been increasingly vocal in its criticism of Trump. Earlier this week, it lambasted him for releasing cryptocurrency “meme coins” themed after himself, and earlier this month, it warned that Trump’s push for the United States to regain control of the Panama Canal would be “a mess” for the country.
The editorial board’s harsh rebuke underscores growing concerns over Trump’s use of presidential power to settle personal scores, raising questions about the potential risks to national security and the precedent it sets for future administrations.