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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, revoked the Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, as confirmed by a senior White House official this Friday.
By law, former vice presidents are entitled to six months of protection after leaving office. Former President Joe Biden extended that protection for Harris until January 2026 through an executive memorandum signed in January, before leaving office.
Trump's decision was communicated on Thursday to the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service, and will take effect on September 1. At that time, the team assigned to Harris's security will be moved to New York, where they will work on preparations for the United Nations General Assembly.
Kirsten Allen, senior advisor to Harris, expressed gratitude to the Secret Service for "their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to security."
The measure comes weeks before Harris embarks on a 15-city tour in September to promote her memoir, 107 Days, where she recounts her brief presidential campaign as a Democratic candidate, following Biden's withdrawal after a disastrous debate against Trump.
Although she lost the 2024 elections, Harris has not ruled out a future presidential candidacy in 2028. In July, she announced that she will not run for the governorship of California in 2026.
Trump has also removed federal protections for other figures, including President Biden's children, Hunter and Ashley, and the former national security advisor John Bolton, all critics of his administration. Similar measures have even affected former officials from his own cabinet, such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The Secret Service is legally obligated to protect former presidents and their spouses for life, as well as their children under 16 years old. For former vice presidents, the standard protection period is six months, unless extended by executive order, as was the case with Harris.
So far, Trump's advisers have not responded to requests for comments on the revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Revocation of Secret Service Protection for Kamala Harris
Why did Donald Trump revoke Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris?
Donald Trump revoked Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris as part of his policy to adjust security benefits for former officials. Although former vice presidents are entitled to six months of protection by law, Joe Biden had extended this protection for Harris until January 2026, but Trump decided to revoke this extension.
What does the revocation of Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris imply?
The revocation means that Kamala Harris will no longer have Secret Service protection starting September 1. The team assigned to her security will be relocated to New York to work on the preparations for the United Nations General Assembly.
How has Kamala Harris reacted to Donald Trump's decision?
Kirsten Allen, senior advisor to Harris, expressed gratitude to the Secret Service for their professionalism and dedication. No direct statement from Harris regarding the revocation has been reported, although her team has shown appreciation towards the Secret Service.
What other groups have lost federal protection under the Trump administration?
Trump has removed federal protections for other figures such as Joe Biden's children, Hunter and Ashley, and former national security advisor John Bolton. These actions have been part of a broader policy of adjustments in security protections for individuals critical of his administration.
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