Former NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci receives $15 million in taxpayer-funded security as he transitions to private life, raising questions about post-employment federal protection standards.
At a Glance
- Dr. Fauci granted $15 million in taxpayer-funded security as a private citizen
- Security provided through agreement between U.S. Marshals Service and HHS
- Protection period: January 4, 2023, to September 20, 2024
- Arrangement considered unprecedented for a retired government official
- Includes chauffeur and USMS personnel
Unprecedented Security Measures for Former NIAID Director
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who retired in December 2022 as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has been granted an extraordinary $15 million in taxpayer-funded security as he transitions to private life. This unprecedented arrangement, covering the period from January 4, 2023, to September 20, 2024, stems from a collaboration between the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The security detail provided to Dr. Fauci includes both a chauffeur and USMS personnel. This level of protection is considered highly unusual for a former government official, potentially setting a new precedent in post-employment federal protection standards. The USMS has confirmed their involvement in providing protection from January 2023 to August 2024.
EXCLUSIVE: As private citizen, Dr. Fauci received $15 million taxpayer-funded security detail , by @open_the_books https://t.co/RZ5kBQKbru
— marguerite telford (@mtelford_cis) November 7, 2024
Breakdown of Security Costs and Comparison
The $15 million allocated for Dr. Fauci’s security covers various expenses, including transportation, law enforcement equipment, and salaries and benefits for security personnel. It’s important to note that this figure does not include any security expenses incurred from April 2020 to December 2022, during his tenure as NIAID director.
To put this expenditure into perspective, it’s worth comparing it to other high-profile security arrangements. For instance, two former Trump administration national security advisers received Secret Service protection due to threats, costing taxpayers over $12 million. Additionally, former presidents receive lifetime Secret Service protection as a matter of course.
Implications and Future Considerations
The contract for Dr. Fauci’s security may be renewed or extended in the future, potentially leading to additional costs for taxpayers. This arrangement raises questions about the criteria for determining which former government officials receive such extensive protection and for how long.
It’s worth noting that Dr. Fauci was the highest-paid federal employee in 2019, and his post-retirement security detail further underscores his unique status. In contrast, other high-profile figures, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., lost Secret Service protection after suspending his presidential campaign, highlighting the exceptional nature of Dr. Fauci’s ongoing security measures.
As this security arrangement continues, it may prompt discussions about the allocation of taxpayer funds for the protection of former government officials and the broader implications for public spending and security protocols.
Sources:
Fauci Received 15 Million Dollars In Taxpayer Funds For Private Security Detail, Report Says
Fauci Received 15 Million Dollars In Taxpayer Funds For Private Security Detail, Report Says
