President Donald Trump has cancelled former Vice President Kamala Harris' Secret Service detail, seven months after she left office following her unsuccessful presidential campaign. By law, the US Secret Service provides former vice-presidents and their families six months of protection after their terms end. However, this term can be extended, as was done by former President Joe Biden reportedly before leaving office.
The move has led to significant controversy, with California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass calling it politically motivated. As the first woman and person of color to serve as vice-president and a contender in a tense election, Harris has faced various threats during her political career. Despite this, a recent threat assessment did not indicate any alarming risks that would necessitate an extension of her security.
The implications of this withdrawal are profound as Harris gears up for a book tour to promote 107 Days, focused on her short-lived presidential bid. The Secret Service's ability to protect politicians is dictated by law, with different regulations for former vice-presidents compared to former presidents. Those who have served as president maintain lifetime protection, reflecting a disparity in security protocols that raises questions about political retribution and the well-being of public officials.
As Trump has removed protections for others in the past, this decision continues to fuel debates over political strategies and safety. Whether this move reflects a broader strategy or is purely a matter of resources, it emphasizes the complexities involved in providing adequate security to former political figures.
The move has led to significant controversy, with California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass calling it politically motivated. As the first woman and person of color to serve as vice-president and a contender in a tense election, Harris has faced various threats during her political career. Despite this, a recent threat assessment did not indicate any alarming risks that would necessitate an extension of her security.
The implications of this withdrawal are profound as Harris gears up for a book tour to promote 107 Days, focused on her short-lived presidential bid. The Secret Service's ability to protect politicians is dictated by law, with different regulations for former vice-presidents compared to former presidents. Those who have served as president maintain lifetime protection, reflecting a disparity in security protocols that raises questions about political retribution and the well-being of public officials.
As Trump has removed protections for others in the past, this decision continues to fuel debates over political strategies and safety. Whether this move reflects a broader strategy or is purely a matter of resources, it emphasizes the complexities involved in providing adequate security to former political figures.
