In response to perceived threats from Iran following the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani, the US Secret Service reportedly allocated over $12 million to provide security for former President Donald Trump's advisors, John Bolton and Robert O’Brien. The protection measures were put in place for nearly a year after Bolton and O’Brien left their positions, according to CBS reports.

Details obtained from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) documents revealed that the protection included round-the-clock coverage by dedicated special agents for their homes, offices, and travel, both domestically and abroad. Notably, such extensive protection is uncommon for former officials once they leave office.

Bolton initially received no protection after departing from the White House, but it commenced in December 2021 following Trump's directive to extend Secret Service protection to O’Brien upon leaving office. The cost for this security arrangement totaled $12,280,324, as disclosed in the DHS reports.

Former President Trump's concerns about potential retaliation from Iran following Soleimani's assassination were underscored in a new book, where he expressed fears of being targeted by Iran for reprisals. The airstrike ordered by Trump on January 3, 2020, targeted Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force.

Moreover, additional revelations from the Associated Press highlighted substantial security spending by the State Department to protect former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Brian Hook, the former US envoy for Iran, amounting to $2 million monthly.

The extensive security measures underscore the ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns about potential reprisals in the aftermath of significant events such as Soleimani's assassination, reflecting the complex dynamics of international relations and security threats.