Donald Trump Cuts Off Dr. Anthony Fauci’s Taxpayer-Funded Security Detail After Joe Biden Grants Preemptive Pardon in Washington D.C

In a significant move, former President Donald Trump has decided to cut off Dr. Anthony Fauci’s taxpayer-funded security detail, just days after President Joe Biden issued a preemptive pardon for the former infectious disease expert.

This move has further fueled the ongoing political battle between Trump and his critics.

Trump Shrugs Off Decision Amid Criticism

According to CNN, Trump’s latest action is seen as part of his continued effort to punish his political adversaries.

Dr. Fauci, who was the long-time director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been criticized by many, particularly for his role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite having served under Trump’s administration at the time, Fauci became a central figure blamed by conservatives for the lockdowns that followed.

While visiting Asheville, North Carolina, Trump was asked about the decision to terminate Fauci’s security, and he responded nonchalantly.

“No, I think you know, when you work for government, at some point your security detail comes off, and you know, you can’t have them forever,” Trump said.

He further added, “So I think it’s very standard. If it was for somebody else you wouldn’t be asking the question.”

Fauci Hires Private Security

In light of losing the government-provided security, Fauci has since hired a private security firm to ensure his protection.

This decision comes after a series of public attacks from Trump and other conservative figures who have pointed fingers at Fauci for his role in handling the pandemic.

A History of Retaliation Against Political Opponents

This action follows a pattern of Trump taking punitive measures against former officials and critics who have crossed him.

For example, Trump previously ended the Secret Service protection of former National Security Advisor John Bolton after Bolton released a tell-all book about his time in the Trump administration.

Trump also terminated the State Department protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was seen as a potential challenger during the 2024 GOP primaries.

Despite Pompeo’s eventual endorsement of Trump, tensions remained after he criticized Trump at CPAC in 2023.

Fauci’s Blame for Trump’s COVID-19 Response

On the political right, Fauci has become the scapegoat for Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which many believe contributed to his loss in the 2020 election.

Early in the pandemic, Trump followed Fauci’s advice, implementing lockdowns, which later became a point of contention among conservatives.

Additionally, Republicans have scrutinized Fauci’s role in funding research at the National Institutes of Health, attempting to link American dollars to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, where some believe the virus may have leaked from.

As the political tensions continue, Trump’s decision to cut Fauci’s security detail is just the latest move in a growing divide between the former president and his critics.