Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed on Wednesday that the US government is closely monitoring a persistent threat posed by Iran against current and former US officials. Blinken emphasized the seriousness with which the government is treating this threat, particularly targeting senior officials, including former President Donald Trump and current administration members.
Law enforcement officials have expressed concerns about potential assassination attempts by Iran on former Trump officials, with a notable increase in online messaging from Iranian sources mentioning Trump. While specific details about threats against current officials have not been disclosed, the government is actively assessing the situation.
Former President Trump was recently briefed by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence about specific threats from Iran aimed at destabilizing the United States. Trump acknowledged the threats in a social media post, highlighting the vigilance of the US military in response to potential actions by Iran.
Iran's vow for revenge following the killing of Qasem Soleimani, a prominent Iranian military commander, has heightened security concerns for former Trump administration officials involved in national security. In response to the threats, Congress passed a bill ensuring that Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris receive Secret Service protection equivalent to that of a sitting president.
As part of ongoing efforts to fund the government, Congress is considering allocating additional resources to the Secret Service, including $231 million in a continuing resolution. This funding aims to bolster security measures and safeguard current and former US officials against potential threats.