Trump administration pulls security detail from two former officials

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CBS has learned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio greenlighted the removal of the Diplomatic Security detail, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The Diplomatic Security detail, which is part of the State Department, was removed from the former officials on Wednesday night, according to three sources who are knowledgeable about the situation.

Asked about it during a press conference in the Oval Office on Monday, President Trump said "'When you have protection, can you really have it for the rest of your life? - Do you want to have a large team of people guarding people for the rest of their lives? I mean, there are risks associated with everything."

According to previous reporting by CBS, the annual spending to provide diplomatic security protection for these two former officials was approximately $24 million, as they had continuous threats by the Iranian government. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at the time, repeatedly extended their protection despite knowing this ongoing risk. Beyond Trump-era officials, other former officials who face ongoing threats by Iran also receive U.S.-taxpayer funded security protection. Those individuals include Mark Esper, former Secretary of Defense; Mark Milley, retired General; and Frank McKenzie, former Commanding General of CENTCOM. However, the Biden administration didn't provide an explanation for why it withdrew protection from Robert O'Brien, a former Trump National Security Adviser, who also faced threats.

Allegedly in addition to regime officials who served under him.

It's not clear if the Trump administration is adopting the same "act of war" stance as before or if new intelligence has come to light suggesting Iran is no longer a threat. One source suggested "budget constraints" were a factor in the decision to withdraw the 24/7 protection this week.

In a drone strike initiated by President Trump during his first term.

At this hour, neither the Diplomatic Security team nor the State Department has responded to our request for comment.

was the first to break the news about Pompeo and Hook.

Camilla Schick contributed reporting.