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Former US President Donald Trump has been alleged to commit a “new act of revenge” against Kamala Harris, the former vice president, by retracting her Secret Service protection.
The Secret Service, a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security, is tasked with safeguarding American political figures, their families, and significant individuals, like foreign dignitaries.
According to CNN, Trump signed a memo instructing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to “end any security-related measures previously authorized by executive memorandum, except those mandated by law” for Harris, starting from September 1.
This decision comes before Harris’s planned book tour across 15 cities next month for her memoir, 107 Days, which covers her unsuccessful bid for the presidency.
Harris was the Democratic candidate for 107 days following Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race due to concerns over his cognitive abilities after a disastrous debate against Trump.
For how long do US vice-presidents get Secret Service protection?
Typically, the Secret Service protects vice-presidents for six months after they leave office. In Harris’ case, that period ended on 21 July.
However, former US president Joe Biden extended Harris’ protection by a year — up until January 2026 — before he left office at the start of this year.
Biden and his wife Jill get protection for life under a federal law that covers former presidents and their spouses.
Has Trump withdrawn protection for anyone else?
Since taking office in January, Trump has taken similar measures against a long list of his perceived enemies and political opponents.
Trump has withdrawn protection for former national security adviser John Bolton, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo and former top US military officer Mark Milley.
Earlier in March, Trump removed government security detail from Biden’s children, Hunter and Ashley, claiming it was “ridiculous” that Hunter was assigned a security team of up to 18 agents.
He has also stripped other officials and former officials — including Biden himself — of their security clearances to receive sensitive information.
After serving his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump extended Secret Service protection for an additional six months to all four of his adult children and three key administration officials.
How have Democrats responded?
Harris’ office has confirmed the move.
“The vice president is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety,” Kirsten Allen, a senior adviser to Harris, said in a statement.
Democrats rallied behind Harris over the move, especially in California, where she previously served as a senator.
According to US media reports, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the move as “another act of revenge following a lengthy history of political retaliation” by Trump.
“This puts the former vice president in danger and I look forward to working with the governor to make sure vice president Harris is safe in Los Angeles.”
US senator Adam Schiff, a California Democrat and frequent Trump critic, called the action “another dangerous reminder that there’s no agenda more important to Donald Trump than retribution”.
