Former President Donald Trump has ended the taxpayer-funded security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and key figure in the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci, who faced numerous threats during the pandemic due to his high-profile role and the political polarization of public health measures, was granted security protection by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2020. These measures were aimed at ensuring his safety amid increasing risks.

Fauci, a polarizing figure, faced both widespread support for his guidance on masks, vaccines, and social distancing, as well as harsh criticism from those who disagreed with his policies. Despite stepping down from his NIAID position in 2022, Fauci remains influential in public health discussions. The termination of his security detail has sparked debates regarding the reasoning behind the decision and the potential dangers to his safety.

This move follows Trump’s broader pattern of addressing perceived wrongs from his presidency. He also revoked security clearances of 51 former intelligence officials who signed a letter about Hunter Biden’s laptop, which was later revealed not to be part of a Russian disinformation campaign. Trump’s decisions, including the termination of Fauci’s security and his handling of sensitive information, reflect his ongoing influence in political and national security matters.

These developments highlight the continued partisan divisions in U.S. politics, with debates over truth, accountability, and safety continuing to shape public discourse. The removal of Fauci’s protection underscores the risks faced by public figures in today’s polarized climate and adds complexity to Trump’s post-presidency legacy.