WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump has revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris' Secret Service protection, which was originally set to conclude next summer. This decision was confirmed by senior Trump administration officials on Friday.
Typically, former vice presidents receive federal protection for six months after leaving office, whereas former presidents are entitled to protection for life. However, the prior administration led by President Joe Biden extended Harris' protection beyond the customary six months at her request. This extension was underpinned by a directive Biden quietly signed, which extended the protection period to 18 months, according to sources familiar with the administration's decisions who remain anonymous to discuss internal matters.
Donald Trump, a Republican, defeated Kamala Harris, a Democrat, in the presidential election last year. The termination of her Secret Service protection occurs as Harris prepares for a book tour promoting her memoir titled “107 Days,” which will kick off on September 24. The tour comprises 15 stops, including international destinations such as London and Toronto. The memoir references the historically brief length of her presidential campaign, which faced unexpected challenges.
A recent intelligence assessment conducted by the Secret Service did not reveal any credible threats against Harris, leading the Biden administration to finally conclude that her security detail could revert to the standard six-month duration. Trump's decision to revoke Harris' protection comes amid observations that he has previously terminated security arrangements for various political adversaries and individuals, including those associated with his presidency. Notably, his administration did not extend such protections to his former vice president, Mike Pence, following his exit from office.
Security analysts are likely to express concern over Trump's choice to revoke Harris' protection, particularly in today's polarized political climate, where continuity of security is deemed crucial. An executive memorandum was reportedly issued to the Department of Homeland Security, formally ending her security detail effective Monday, rather than in July 2026 as previously scheduled.
Harris resides in the Los Angeles area. Karen Bass, the city's Democratic mayor, criticized Trump's decision as “another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation,” warning that this could pose a risk to Harris' safety. She emphasized her commitment to work with California Governor Gavin Newsom to ensure the safety of the former vice president, citing ongoing discussions with Harris on this critical issue.
Despite her defeat in the last election, Harris remains a significant figure in the Democratic Party and a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential election. She has already declared her intent not to contend for the California governorship in 2026. Harris' political background includes her roles as a former senator, California attorney general, and San Francisco district attorney.
The heightened political tensions witnessed last year included two assassination attempts against Trump, highlighting the importance of the Secret Service during times of increased risk. Questions linger regarding the agency's preparedness in certain situations, such as a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a Secret Service agent responded to an active shooter situation. In recent developments, Trump selected a Secret Service agent who played a crucial role during that incident to lead the agency.
The news regarding the revocation of Harris' Secret Service protection was initially reported by CNN.
