Revocation of Secret Service Protection for Former Vice President Kamala Harris
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris’ Secret Service protection that otherwise would have ended next summer, senior Trump administration officials said Friday.
Former vice presidents typically get federal government protection for six months after leaving office, while ex-presidents do so for life.
Trump, a Republican, defeated Harris, a Democrat, in the presidential election last year.
Background on Secret Service Protection
The Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the President, Vice President, and their families, as well as visiting heads of state and other high-ranking government officials. The agency also investigates crimes such as counterfeiting and fraud.
Former vice presidents and presidents are entitled to Secret Service protection for a certain period after leaving office. In the case of former vice presidents, this protection typically lasts for six months, while former presidents receive protection for life.
Reasons Behind the Revocation
The reason behind Trump’s decision to revoke Harris’ Secret Service protection is not entirely clear. However, it is worth noting that Trump has a history of using his executive power to punish his political adversaries. During his second presidency, he has repeatedly cut off security for figures who have fallen from favor, including his onetime national security adviser John Bolton and members of Biden’s family, including the former president’s adult children.
Harris is about to embark on a book tour for her memoir, titled “107 Days,” which refers to the historically short length of her presidential campaign. The tour has 15 stops, including visits abroad to London and Toronto. The book will be released on September 23, and the tour begins the following day.
Reaction from Democratic Leaders
The city’s Democratic mayor, Karen Bass, called Trump’s decision “another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation” and warned that it would endanger Harris. Bass said she plans to work with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a fellow Democrat, to ensure the former vice president’s safety.
While she lost to Trump last November, Harris is seen as a potential candidate for 2028, and she has already announced she will not run for California governor in 2026. Harris is also a former senator, California attorney general, and San Francisco district attorney.
Secret Service Protection and Threats
Outgoing presidents can extend protection for those who might otherwise not be eligible; Trump did so for his family after leaving office in 2021. However, the Secret Service typically continues to provide protection to former officials who face credible and ongoing threats.
Last year was a particularly politically charged environment, with Trump facing two assassination attempts. The Secret Service played a crucial role in protecting the now-president, and questions remain about how the agency prepared for a July 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a Secret Service counter sniper shot a gunman dead after he fired eight shots, killing an attendee, wounding two others, and grazing Trump’s right ear.
Trump chose one of the agents who rushed to the stage to shield him, Sean Curran, to lead the agency earlier this year.
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Conclusion
The revocation of Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris is a significant development in the world of politics. While the reasons behind Trump’s decision are not entirely clear, it is evident that the move has sparked controversy and concern among Democratic leaders. As Harris prepares to embark on her book tour, the question of her safety remains a pressing issue.
FAQs
Q: Why did Trump revoke Harris’ Secret Service protection?
A: The reason behind Trump’s decision is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be a form of political retaliation.
Q: How long do former vice presidents typically receive Secret Service protection?
A: Former vice presidents typically receive Secret Service protection for six months after leaving office.
Q: Can outgoing presidents extend Secret Service protection for certain individuals?
A: Yes, outgoing presidents can extend protection for those who might otherwise not be eligible.
Q: What is Harris’ book tour about?
A: Harris’ book tour is for her memoir, titled “107 Days,” which refers to the historically short length of her presidential campaign.
