Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), a leading voice on national security and chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, recently spoke out about President Donald Trump’s decision to remove security protection from some of his former aides. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Cotton encouraged Trump to “revisit” his decision to strip away the security details from individuals who remain under threat, particularly those targeted by Iran due to their involvement in the U.S. operation that killed General Qassim Suleimani.
Among those affected are former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Advisor John Bolton, and others like Dr. Anthony Fauci and Brian Hook. In a conversation with Shannon Bream, Cotton expressed concern about the dangerous implications of withdrawing their protection, noting that Iran continues to pursue vengeance for the death of Suleimani, a key figure in the regime’s military leadership. “Iran hasn’t forgotten what happened in 2020,” Cotton said. “Their threat to avenge Suleimani is persistent, real, and continues to endanger those who were involved.”
Cotton, a strong advocate for robust U.S. foreign policy, emphasized that the stakes are high. “I’ve reviewed recent intelligence, and the threats against individuals tied to that mission—especially former officials who served during the Trump administration—are very serious. These aren’t just theoretical risks. Iran is committed to taking action, and these men are at the top of their list.”
The senator pointed out that it’s not just about protecting the individuals themselves but about safeguarding their families and anyone who might be caught in the crossfire. “These threats impact not just those directly involved in the mission, but their families, friends, and even innocent bystanders. Moreover, it’s crucial for the President to ensure that capable people can safely serve his administration in the future. If people fear for their safety, it could discourage top talent from advising the President on critical issues like Iran, China, or North Korea,” he warned.
Critics have suggested that Trump’s decision to revoke security for Bolton and others—who have publicly criticized his leadership—may be a form of retribution. Bolton, in particular, has been one of the president’s most vocal critics. Cotton, however, cautioned against politicizing such serious national security concerns. With growing threats from adversaries like Iran, it’s vital to err on the side of caution, Cotton argued, for the safety of all involved.