Former President Donald Trump has reportedly terminated the taxpayer-funded security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and a leading public health official during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Fauci, who served as a key spokesperson for the federal government’s pandemic response, faced numerous threats to his safety during his tenure. These threats, many of which stemmed from his visibility and the politicization of public health measures, prompted the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to request security protection for him in 2020, according to Fox News.

Throughout the pandemic, Fauci became a household name and a polarizing figure. His guidance on mask-wearing, vaccination, and social distancing was widely followed by many Americans but also drew fierce criticism from others who viewed the recommendations as overreach or contradictory. This division was reflected in the threats directed toward him, which escalated as the pandemic progressed. To address these safety concerns, taxpayer-funded security measures were provided to ensure his protection.

The decision to terminate these security arrangements has raised questions about the motivations behind such a move and the potential risks to Fauci, who remains a prominent figure in public health. While Fauci stepped down from his NIAID role in late 2022 after serving under seven U.S. presidents, his influence on public health policy and his role during the pandemic continue to attract attention and, in some cases, criticism. Supporters argue that his dedication to science and public health deserves recognition and protection, while detractors have accused him of mishandling the pandemic response or promoting policies that infringed on individual freedoms.