Biden Administration Under Fire for Denying Secret Service Protection to Nikki Haley Despite Iran Threats

The Biden administration has denied Secret Service protection to former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley despite verified threats from Iran, sparking criticism and raising concerns about the safety of former diplomats.

At a Glance

Nikki Haley has faced credible threats from Iranian-linked actors since 2021
The FBI informed Haley that Iran placed her on a “kill list” due to her UN work
Despite these threats, the Biden administration has not granted Haley Secret Service protection
Other former Trump officials facing similar threats have received government-provided security
An Iranian-backed assassination plot targeting Haley and other politicians was uncovered in 2024

Iranian Threats and FBI Warnings

Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has been facing serious security concerns since 2021 when she was informed by the FBI that Iran had placed her on a “kill list” due to her work at the United Nations. The threats against Haley have only escalated since then, with the FBI warning her during her presidential campaign that Tehran was actively targeting her.

In July 2024, an Iranian-backed “murder-for-hire plot” against Haley was thwarted, further highlighting the seriousness of the situation. These threats are not isolated incidents. Other former Trump administration officials, including Mike Pompeo, Brian Hook, John Bolton, and Robert O’Brien, have received government-provided security due to similar Iranian threats.

Biden Admin Refused to Grant Nikki Haley Secret Service Protection Despite Iranian Threats https://t.co/S8tQ9gBMf8

— Daily Wire News (@DailyWireNews) September 9, 2024

Biden Administration’s Response

Despite the credible and ongoing threats, the Biden administration has not granted Nikki Haley Secret Service protection. In January 2024, following an increase in threats, Haley formally requested protection from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The Candidate Protection Advisory Committee voted in favor of granting Haley protection, but she reportedly never received a response from Mayorkas.

“A source close to Haley told The Daily Wire that the former South Carolina governor was told in 2021 that Iran had placed her on a ‘kill list’ because of her work at the UN.” –The DailyWire

The lack of protection is particularly concerning given the numerous incidents Haley has faced. These include a would-be attacker at a New Hampshire rally, violent anti-Israel protesters at other events, and repeated targeting of her South Carolina home. Haley has also received multiple credible death threats.

Despite years of credible threats from Iranian-linked actors (including in July), @NikkiHaley has no gov-provided security, though other former Trump officials do.

Haley was told by the FBI in 2021 that Iran placed her on a “kill list.”

My latest: https://t.co/HIJV02crhH

— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) September 9, 2024

Iranian Assassination Plot Uncovered

In a disturbing development, Senator Chuck Grassley released information about an Iran-backed plot to assassinate prominent politicians, including President Biden, former President Trump, and Nikki Haley. The plot was reportedly in retaliation for the 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.

“When I was running my presidential campaign the FBI had a separate hearing with me to let me know that Iran was influencing the election with our campaign to hurt me,” she said. “The murder-for-hire plot, named me. That’s by Iran.”

Federal investigators have interviewed Asif Merchant, a 46-year-old Pakistani citizen charged with attempting to hire a hitman to murder a politician. Merchant allegedly sent $5,000 to an undercover FBI agent as part of this plot. The investigation revealed chilling details, including discussions about assassination methods and potential targets.

Implications and Concerns

The Biden administration’s decision not to grant Secret Service protection to Nikki Haley raises serious questions about the safety of former diplomats and public figures who continue to face risks after leaving office. It also highlights potential inconsistencies in how security is provided to former officials facing similar threats.

“When you get sanctioned by Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terror, you know you’re doing something right,” Haley tweeted.

As the situation continues to unfold, there are growing calls for a reevaluation of security measures for those who have served in critical international positions. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have not commented on the situation, leaving many questions unanswered about how the U.S. government plans to address these ongoing threats and protect its former officials.