Recent reports indicate that a major shift has occurred regarding the Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump reportedly issued a memorandum. It directed the Department of Homeland Security to rescind the extended Secret Service detail that was previously authorized by the Biden administration. This decision, according to reports, is set to take effect on September 1.
The move comes as a notable departure from recent precedent and has sparked intense outrage. Under federal law, former vice presidents, along with their spouses and children under the age of 16, are entitled to Secret Service protection for a period of up to six months after leaving office. For Kamala Harris, that statutory protection period concluded in late July.
Former President Biden signed memo extending Harris’s protection for 18 months
In January, then-President Joe Biden signed an executive memorandum that extended Harris’s protection for an additional 18 months.
This extension was aimed at providing continued security for the former Vice President. Such extensions have become common practice for former high-ranking officials due to the increased threats against public figures.
The reported action by the current administration, therefore, directly overrides the previous administration’s directive. According to senior White House officials and a spokesperson for Harris, the new memorandum instructs the Secret Service to cease any protection beyond what is legally mandated, effectively revoking the extended detail.
The decision has drawn criticism from security experts and opposition figures. They argue that the safety of former high-ranking officials should not be subject to political considerations.
This development follows a series of similar actions. The current administration has reportedly also removed Secret Service details for other individuals, including former National Security Advisor John Bolton and the adult children of former President Joe Biden.
Harris’ secret service revoked just before book tour
The move to revoke Harris’s protection is particularly notable as it comes at a time when she is set to embark on a international book tour, a public schedule that will likely increase her visibility and potential risk.
In a statement, a senior adviser for Kamala Harris acknowledged the news, stating that the former Vice President “is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety.”
Meanwhile, state and local officials in California, where Harris resides, have been in communication to address potential security gaps.
