President Donald Trump has cancelled the Secret Service protection that had been arranged for Kamala Harris by Joe Biden prior to his departure from office, according to an adviser to Harris. As a former vice president, Harris was legally entitled to six months of enhanced security after leaving office in January, which was expected to end in July. However, her protection had been extended for an additional year through an executive directive signed by Biden but was revoked by Trump in a memo dated Thursday.
This decision comes as Harris prepares for a national book tour to promote her memoir titled “107 Days,” which reflects on her brief and ultimately unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2024. A letter seen by the BBC, dated August 28, instructs the Secret Service to cease any security procedures previously authorized beyond what is required by law for Harris, effective September 1.
A senior official from the White House confirmed the cancellation. Sources familiar with the situation indicated to CBS that a recent threat assessment did not reveal any significant risks that would necessitate extending her security beyond the legally-mandated six-month period. Following the end of Harris’ security, her husband, Doug Emhoff, also saw his protections conclude on July 1, in accordance with regulations for the spouses of former vice presidents.
The revocation of Harris’ Secret Service protection will result in the loss of assigned agents tasked with protecting her and her property, as well as access to proactive threat intelligence. The cost of similar protection through private means could reach millions of dollars annually. It remains uncertain who will provide protection for Harris in the future, though California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have expressed their concerns regarding the decision.
Trump has previously revoked Secret Service protections for various individuals, including Hunter and Ashley Biden, as well as Anthony Fauci. Additionally, notable former Trump officials, such as ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former national security adviser John Bolton, have also had their protections rescinded. Harris has faced multiple security threats during her tenure, partly attributed to her status as the first woman and first person of color in the role.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c04r073nxz5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss