Former Vice President Kamala Harris’s Secret Service protection has been canceled by President Donald Trump, approximately seven months after her term ended following an unsuccessful presidential campaign. The U.S. Secret Service legally provides former vice presidents and their families with six months of protection post-term, although extensions are possible. Former President Joe Biden reportedly extended her security for an additional year through a directive issued before leaving office.
The decision to end Harris’s protection has sparked criticism from political figures such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who have suggested it may be politically motivated. However, neither Biden nor Harris has publicly explained the reasons for the extension or the subsequent termination of security.
A threat assessment conducted recently reportedly found no significant risks that would necessitate continued protection for Harris. Nonetheless, some members of her team expressed concerns about potential threats given her historic role and her involvement in a contentious election.
The Secret Service’s security measures encompass more than just protective agents; they also involve securing residences and preemptively identifying threats through various means, including digital monitoring. The financial implications of these security measures remain unclear, though high-profile private security services can be very costly.
Critics of the cancellation have pointed out that Trump has previously revoked Secret Service protection for others, leading to accusations of political retribution. Conversely, expert opinion suggests that the Secret Service may need to realign its focus on immediate threats directed at more prominent figures within the current political landscape.
In contrast to former vice presidents, former presidents are afforded lifetime protection, a policy that was reaffirmed in 2013 after a decade-long limitation aimed at budget reduction. Only Richard Nixon is known to have declined such protection.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceqy3jnl39do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss