Amidst widespread discussions and rumors on social media, it was confirmed that former President Donald Trump was not solely responsible for the cessation of Dr. Anthony Fauci’s federal security detail.

This came as a part of a broader move involving several former officials who had to transition to private security, as PJ Media reports.

The issue initially came to light on a Friday when social media users began reacting to news about Dr. Fauci's security detail being terminated.

The Associated Press later reported that Dr. Fauci, notably one of the key figures in the U.S. COVID-19 response and a critic of Trump, was among several who lost their government-provided security despite ongoing threats.

During a press conference in Asheville, N.C., President Trump addressed the matter, stating the policy that government workers eventually lose their security details and that it's commonplace for former officials to seek private security solutions. Trump highlighted that similar actions had been taken with other former officials.

Fauci Transitioned to Private Security Before Official Cessation

According to details from the Daily Mail dated December, the U.S. Marshals Service concluded a substantial security arrangement with Dr. Fauci which had cost about $15 million over nearly two years. This arrangement officially ended on September 30, 2024.

Before this date, Dr. Fauci had already begun using a privately funded security detail. The shift to private security was influenced by the continued threats he faced, which were prominently highlighted during his public appearances and book tours.

Despite the change, it was stated by a U.S. Marshals spokesperson that they do not discuss specific threats to individuals they protect but confirmed the end of the memorandum understanding concerning Dr. Fauci’s security detail.

Assessing Costs, Context of Security Measures

During the height of his public visibility, especially noticeable during his book publicity tour, Dr. Fauci expressed legitimate concerns for his safety, worrying "that there's a possibility that somebody's gonna kill me." These fears underscore the high stakes involved in his role during the pandemic response and afterward.

While he was under federal protection, Dr. Fauci’s movements involved a significant security presence, including at least six U.S. Marshals and a fleet of vehicles.

Security measures took considerable resources, with taxpayers shouldering an estimated $15 million for the duration of service offered by the Marshals.

By the time his federal detail ended, Dr. Fauci’s net worth had reached approximately $11 million, a testament to his long career and stature in the medical and public health sectors.

His security detail regularly included departures in a white SUV, a detail that became a common sight in his neighborhood.

Implications for Future Federal Security Policies

President Trump's comments during the press conference shed light on the government’s stance towards continuing security for former officials.

"I think when you work for the government, at some point your security detail comes off, you know, you can't have them forever," he remarked, suggesting a policy of limited-time federal protection.

Trump also emphasized the availability of private security services, indicating that former officials needing protection have viable alternatives to federal security.

"We took some off other people too. They can hire their security too … I can give them some good numbers of very good security people," Trump added during his statement.

In conclusion, Dr. Fauci’s shift from federal to private security exemplifies a broader trend of managing security for high-profile individuals post their official tenure. This transition, while fraught with concerns and public interest, ultimately aligns with stated federal policies on security after government service ends.