President Donald Trump has revoked the Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, effective September 1. A spokesperson for Harris confirmed the decision to Fox News, with no specific reason provided. The move comes as Harris is set to kick off a tour for her upcoming book ‘10,7 Days’ in late September, visiting major American cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.
A senior White House official told Fox News Digital that vice presidents usually have a Secret Service detail for only six months after leaving office. This standard duration was previously extended by former President Joe Biden, who signed an executive memorandum before leaving office, granting Harris an additional year of protection. However, Trump rescinded that memorandum, resulting in the official end of her protection on September 1.
The Secret Service states on its website that former presidents receive lifetime protection for themselves and their spouses, ‘unless they decline protection.’ This highlights the distinction between former presidents and vice presidents in terms of protective measures. The decision to revoke Harris’ protection raises questions about the rationale behind the choice, as no specific reason was given for the termination of her security detail.
Meanwhile, the situation is compounded by reports that Harris’ fundraising events for her book promotion have been met with limited success, prompting discussions about the effectiveness of her campaign to raise funds for the Democratic National Committee. As Harris prepares for her book tour, the removal of her Secret Service protection has sparked discussions about the security implications for her public appearances and the potential impact on her political visibility.
It remains unclear whether the decision to revoke Harris’ protection is an isolated incident or part of a broader strategy regarding the security and public engagement of former high-profile officials. The move has drawn attention to the changing dynamics of security protocols and political interactions within the executive branch, underscoring the ongoing complexities of maintaining public safety for former leaders while navigating the political landscape.