January 24, 2025
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert and former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has seen his government security detail revoked, effective Thursday afternoon. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed the decision to ABC News, revealing that Fauci, who had previously been provided with a government-funded security detail due to heightened threats, will now be required to secure private protection.
The change comes after months of controversy and public discourse surrounding Fauci’s role in the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci, who became a central figure in the national health strategy, has been the target of criticism from various quarters, including public figures and extreme critics. These threats have escalated since the pandemic began, leading to increased concern for his safety.
Despite the risks to his well-being, the government has now pulled back its support, prompting the veteran immunologist to hire his own private security detail. Sources indicated that the cancellation of Fauci’s security team was in line with a policy that restricts such protections to current government employees, a position voiced publicly by former President Donald Trump.
Trump weighed in on the decision, stating, “You can’t have a security detail for the rest of your life just because you work for the government.” His comments, made to reporters, reflect a broader stance on limiting the extension of governmental perks to former public servants once their official duties have concluded.
Dr. Fauci, who retired from his position as NIAID director at the end of 2022, has continued to be an influential voice in public health and politics, particularly regarding the legacy of the pandemic and ongoing health policy discussions. His departure from the government has shifted his security status, leaving him responsible for funding his protection out-of-pocket.
The revocation of his security detail raises questions about the intersection of public safety and political considerations. Supporters of Fauci have expressed concern that removing his protection amid ongoing threats could leave him vulnerable. They argue that the move reflects the politicization of public health figures, particularly those who have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 response.
This change also underscores a significant shift in the way the U.S. government handles security for former officials, particularly those who continue to be in the public eye. While some may see this as a necessary step in curbing government spending, others view it as a symbol of the growing divide between public service and post-government life.
As the situation continues to unfold, Dr. Fauci will no doubt remain in the public spotlight, balancing his private life with the ongoing challenges posed by his high-profile role in American public health. The decision to revoke his government security detail marks a pivotal moment in the broader conversation about the protections afforded to former officials and the legacy of the pandemic era.
Ioana Dorhoi, PhD – Government Relations and Public Affairs 