In a significant move, President Donald Trump has withdrawn Secret Service protection from Kamala Harris, former Vice President and his Democratic rival in the 2024 presidential race. The White House confirmed this on Friday, marking a definitive end to her federally funded security detail.
According to Newsmax, Kamala Harris, who lost the 2024 election to Trump, will no longer receive Secret Service protection starting September 1.
The decision concludes an 18-month extension of security granted by then-President Joe Biden. After a typical vice-presidential term, Secret Service protection commonly continues for six months, making this extension unusual.
Trump's decision was reported by a White House insider on Friday morning. It underscores the end of any remaining security arrangements following her tenure as vice president. In a letter addressed to Harris dated the previous Thursday, the termination of further security measures was confirmed.
The protection extension originally authorized by Biden in January was meant to provide Harris with continued security for a total of 18 months post-administration. Trump’s action is seen as a closure of that chapter, aligning with his broader pattern of ending security protections for critics and former officials.
Despite the conclusion of her security detail, Harris has not entirely stepped back from politics. She is considering another run in 2028. Harris’ latest endeavor involves a book tour for her memoir "107 Days," which she is embarking on amid these changes.
Her removal is not an isolated decision by Trump. In March, he ended security for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the children of Joe Biden. Similarly, former national security adviser John Bolton faced the removal of federal security protection, indicating a broader policy trend under Trump’s administration.
A spokesperson for Harris expressed gratitude towards the Secret Service. "The Vice President is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety," the adviser told NBC News. This sentiment mirrors the broader appreciation of the agency's role throughout her time in office and post-tenure period.
The cessation of Harris' security detail allows an analysis of typical Secret Service extension norms and deviations. Normally, vice presidents receive protection for up to six months after leaving office, a practice extended for Harris by Biden to 18 months, highlighting its uniqueness.
As Harris navigates this transition, her focus shifts to her book tour while contemplating potential future political engagements. The end of Secret Service protection does not deter her public presence; instead, it realigns her resources towards upcoming opportunities and engagements.
The development could also affect the public perception of the Trump administration's methods concerning ongoing political rivalries. His past decisions to withdraw security from notable political figures invite further discussions about the administration's stance on providing security beyond office tenure.
The September 1 cutoff finalizes any additional federal obligations to maintain Harris' security endowment. Her next steps are anticipated with interest, considering her prior role and potential future in U.S. politics.
Trump's move casts light on how post-office protections are evaluated and altered, indicating these privileges may undergo reconsideration when political dynamics shift. Harris’ acknowledgment of the Secret Service's role indicates her appreciation amid these structural changes in her post-vice-presidency journey.
