Recent reports have revealed that President Donald Trump has discontinued the security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Fauci, who has emerged as a polarizing and unpopular figure in American politics following his role during the COVID-19 pandemic, has faced threats to his safety as a result.
During a press conference in Western North Carolina on Friday, Trump commented on the situation, asserting that government employees should not receive lifetime security details at the expense of taxpayers. Reports indicate that Dr. Fauci has since arranged for his own personal security. Additionally, Trump has also rescinded security details for former National Security Advisor John Bolton and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
When a reporter inquired about the termination of Fauci’s security detail, Trump responded, “When you work for the government, at some point, your security detail is removed, and you cannot have it indefinitely.” He further stated, “This is a standard practice; if it were someone else, you wouldn’t be asking this question.” Trump reiterated, “While the question is valid, you must understand that working for the government does not entitle one to lifelong security. We have also reduced security for others.”
In response to a question regarding his potential responsibility should anything happen to Fauci, Trump suggested that his considerable wealth could facilitate private security arrangements. “They have all earned substantial incomes. They can hire their own security. I can provide them with contacts for excellent security personnel. They can afford it; Fauci has made a significant amount of money,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Dr. Fauci received a preemptive pardon from former President Joe Biden. In the final hours of his presidency, Biden granted legal immunity to several individuals, including Dr. Fauci and General Mark.
Biden remarked regarding the pardons, “I uphold the rule of law and remain hopeful that the integrity of our legal institutions will ultimately triumph over political influences. However, these circumstances are extraordinary, and I cannot, in good conscience, remain inactive. Unfounded and politically driven investigations cause significant distress to the lives, safety, and financial stability of those targeted, as well as their families. Even when individuals have committed no wrongdoing—and, in fact, have acted appropriately—and will eventually be vindicated, the mere occurrence of an investigation or prosecution can irreparably harm their reputations and financial well-being.”
He further stated, “This is why I am exercising my constitutional authority to grant pardons to General Mark A. Milley, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the Members of Congress and staff who participated in the Select Committee, as well as the U.S. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers who provided testimony before the Select Committee. The granting of these pardons should not be interpreted as an admission that any individual has engaged in misconduct, nor should their acceptance be seen as an acknowledgment of guilt for any offense. Our nation owes a profound debt of gratitude to these public servants for their unwavering dedication to our country.”
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