President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the taxpayer-funded security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci has been discontinued. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) initially requested protection for Fauci in 2020, citing threats he received while serving as a leading health official and spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to CNN, the security detail ended Thursday night.

REPORTER: "The security detail for Anthony Fauci was terminated last night … Would you feel partially responsible if something were to happen to say, Dr. Fauci or John Bolton?"

TRUMP: "No. They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security." pic.twitter.com/D4CHuFw7TT

— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) January 24, 2025

During a visit to Asheville, North Carolina, to assess damage from Hurricane Helene, Trump addressed the decision. “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,” he stated. He noted that similar measures were taken for other individuals, adding, “You can’t have a security detail for the rest of your life because you work for government.”

Trump previously revoked security clearances and details for 51 intelligence officials who had disputed the authenticity of Hunter Biden’s laptop, as well as for former national security advisor John Bolton and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

When asked if he would bear any responsibility if harm were to come to Fauci or Bolton, Trump dismissed the notion. “No. You know, they all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security,” he said, offering recommendations for “several good security firms.”

Former President Joe Biden preemptively pardoned Fauci before leaving office, aiming to protect him from any potential legal action by Trump. While Trump initially followed Fauci’s advice at the onset of the pandemic, his stance shifted as public dissatisfaction grew with government responses and health recommendations.

Fauci, who served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 1984 to 2022 and as chief medical advisor to the president from 2021 to 2022, received a presidential commendation from Trump in 2021 for his role in Operation Warp Speed and the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines.