President Donald Trump has revoked the government security protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his top advisor, Brian Hook, who have faced threats from Iran due to their firm positions against the Islamic Republic during Trump's first term. According to anonymous congressional sources, the protection was revoked without explanation, although it is noted that Iran blamed both for the assassination of Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Qassem Soleimani in January 2020.
The State Department reported in March 2022 that more than $2 million per month was allocated for round-the-clock security for Pompeo and Hook. The revocation of protection took effect on the same day it was communicated to those affected. This decision adds to other measures by Donald Trump against individuals he considers adversaries, such as the revocation of security clearances for former officials, like John Bolton.
In a statement, Hook expressed his disappointment with the decision but stated that he was not surprised. For his part, Trump justified the revocation by saying he did not see the need to maintain a lifetime security detail for certain individuals. The revocation of protection also extended to several former intelligence officials who signed a letter related to Hunter Biden in 2020.
Pompeo and Hook were key figures in the U.S. 'maximum pressure' campaign against Iran following Trump's withdrawal from the nuclear deal with the country in 2018. Despite ongoing threats considered serious and credible, their security protection was stripped. Biden administration officials informed the Trump administration of these threats, deeming the decision to remove security irresponsible. Pompeo and Hook have had 24/7 protection since January 2021, provided by the State Department.
