Overview
- Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper's government-provided security detail was revoked by the Trump administration this week.
- Esper is among several former officials, including Mike Pompeo, John Bolton, and Brian Hook, who have lost their security details since Trump resumed office in January 2025.
- These officials had been under threat from Iran following their involvement in the 2020 U.S. operation that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
- President Trump has publicly stated that security protections cannot be provided indefinitely, citing risks and financial constraints.
- Portraits of Esper and other former officials, including Gen. Mark Milley, were recently removed from the Pentagon, signaling broader tensions with former aides.