Former National Security Adviser John Bolton has lost his Secret Service protection as well as his security clearance under the administration of President Donald Trump, a blow that comes amid lingering controversy over Bolton's 2019 memoir.

Bolton's Secret Service detail was terminated by Trump on the same day his security clearance was also revoked, developments which many view as fallout from long-term bitterness between the two, as Breitbart reports.

The book, which Bolton published after his departure from the first Trump White House, was thought to be at the center of the president's decision to strip his former adviser of these privileges.

Bolton’s security clearance and Secret Service protection were revoked shortly after Trump assumed office. According to sources, the details of Bolton's security revocation were implemented "within hours" of Trump's inauguration, highlighting the swift nature of the decision.

Bolton’s Memoir Sparks Controversy

The catalyst for these actions was Bolton's memoir, in which he shared details that were described by Trump as both sensitive and classified. The book was criticized by Trump as being potentially damaging to national security.

The executive order to revoke security privileges cited the memoir's monetization of Bolton's experiences in government as undermining future administrations' trust and candid advisory support.

The abrupt removal of Secret Service protection was noted by CNN and confirmed by CBS News, suggesting that the decision was made rapidly within a 24-hour timeframe. This move raised alarms particularly among those concerned with Bolton's safety.

In a stark contrast to Trump's actions, President Joe Biden, in 2021, extended Bolton's Secret Service protection. This decision was despite Bolton’s vocal criticisms of Biden's security policies. The continuation of Bolton's security protection under Biden's administration was seen as necessary, given the reported existence of credible threats to Bolton’s safety.

Protective Measures Under Biden

One such threat materialized in 2022, leading the Justice Department to charge an official from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard with attempting to orchestrate Bolton’s assassination. This incident underscored the ongoing security risks faced by Bolton and validated prior considerations for his protection.

Following these developments, Bolton remarked, "The Justice Department filed criminal charges against an Iranian Revolutionary Guard official in 2022 for attempting to hire a hitman to target me." Stressing the severity of these threats, Bolton noted his continued vulnerability amidst potential assassination plots.

Reacting to the loss of his protection, Bolton expressed disappointment, stating, "I am disappointed but not surprised that President Trump has decided to terminate the protection previously provided by the United States Secret Service." His remarks conveyed not only discontent with Trump’s decision but also an appreciation for Biden’s contrasting approach.

Bolton’s Reaction and Criticism

Bolton's criticisms extended beyond his personal circumstances. In December 2022, he signaled his willingness to run for president with the intent to oppose Trump's return to office, marking a significant political stance against his former ally.

The removal of security clearances, particularly for high-profile officials, is an uncommon occurrence that is generally reserved for severe violations or misconduct. Trump’s executive order justified the revocation as necessary to preserve the integrity of national security advising.

Bolton’s memoir, as Trump described, contained "sensitive information drawn from his time in government," amplifying the debate over the handling of classified material by former officials. This tension highlights the broader discourse regarding transparency and security within U.S. governance.

Rarity of Security Clearance Revocations

The broader implications of these actions underscore ongoing tensions within American political and security landscapes. Bolton’s experience serves as a case study in the intricate balance between national security considerations and the personal liberties of former government officials.

Despite his criticisms of Biden and the decisions made by Trump, Bolton acknowledged his appreciation of the protective measures extended by the current administration.

"Notwithstanding my criticisms of President Biden’s national-security policies, he nonetheless made the decision to extend that protection to me in 2021," Bolton said, illustrating a rare bipartisan appreciation for personal security measures.

This acknowledgment wraps into the larger narrative of Bolton's complex relationship with successive administrations. As a vocal critic of Trump, Bolton emphasized, "The American people can judge for themselves which president made the right call," inviting public deliberation on leadership decisions related to personal security and advisory confidentiality.