Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.
Matthew 2:7 ESV

Herod summoned them secretly because he didn't want Yeshua's family to hear that he knew any details about his birth. He was extremely jealous and insecure about his throne. Always looking for ways to undermine potential rivals and strengthen his own claims through marriage, politics, and public works. He refurbished and expanded the Jerusalem temple, but also built pagan temples, especially in the north.