Trump revokes Kamala Harris's Secret Service escort

Kamala Harris, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Former US Vice President Kamala Harris will no longer have Secret Service protection effective September 1, following an order signed by President Donald Trump revoking the security extension granted to her by his predecessor, Joe Biden.

By law, former vice presidents receive federal protection for six months after leaving office. However, Biden had instructed to maintain it for an additional year, considering Harris's high public profile and the political tensions following the 2024 election.

Trump's decision breaks with that directive and comes at a key moment: Harris is preparing to launch a national promotional tour for her book "107 Days," scheduled for release on September 23.

Reactions and controversy

The measure has drawn immediate criticism from the political sphere. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the revocation a "dangerous politicization" of security. Similarly, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned that the lack of federal protection puts Harris in a vulnerable position amid mass rallies and media exposure.

Security experts point out that the Secret Service not only provides escorts, but also intelligence, threat monitoring, and logistical coordination—elements difficult to replicate with private security. Even so, Harris's team assured that it will pursue "all necessary measures" to ensure her protection during the tour.

An unusual precedent

While each administration has leeway to review security protocols, measures extended by previous presidents are traditionally respected. In this case, Trump chose to directly reverse Biden's decision, which analysts interpret as part of a pattern of confrontation with his political adversaries.

The measure is reminiscent of other recent revocations of protections for public figures who have clashed with the current president, including critical former officials and members of the Biden family.

What's next for Harris

The former vice president, who remains highly relevant within the Democratic Party, will now face a national agenda without official federal government cover. According to sources close to the matter, negotiations are underway to hire high-level private security, although the costs could run into the millions.

Meanwhile, the debate over the presidential decision continues to escalate in Washington, where Democratic lawmakers plan to ask the Department of Homeland Security for an explanation about the criteria used to end the escort.

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Sources:

• The Washington Post
• Reuters