Former President Donald Trump recently justified his decision to end taxpayer-funded security for Dr. Anthony Fauci. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) initially requested the protection for Fauci in 2020 due to threats arising from his prominent role in the COVID-19 pandemic response. This security detail was discontinued on Thursday night.

During a visit to Asheville, North Carolina, to assess hurricane damage, Trump addressed the decision. He stated that government employees can't have security indefinitely and that the detail had been removed for others as well. He suggested that Fauci and others could afford private security and even offered to recommend firms.

Trump also revoked security clearances for intelligence officials who questioned the authenticity of Hunter Biden's laptop, along with those of former National Security Advisor John Bolton and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. He denied any responsibility for their future safety, citing their financial ability to hire personal security.

While Trump initially supported Fauci's guidance early in the pandemic, he later became critical. Former President Joe Biden preemptively pardoned Fauci, a move appreciated by Fauci, though he maintained he committed no wrongdoing.

Fauci, who led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 1984 to 2022 and served as chief medical advisor to the president from 2021 to 2022, received a presidential commendation from Trump in 2021 for his contributions to Operation Warp Speed.