President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris. The decision, effective September 1, cancels a security extension quietly authorized by the Biden administration.
Under federal law, former vice presidents are entitled to six months of Secret Service protection. Harris’s standard security period ended on July 21, 2025.
Before leaving office, President Biden had signed a directive extending Harris’s protection for an additional year, until January 2026. This was not publicly disclosed at the time.
Trump’s new memorandum to the Secretary of Homeland Security authorizes the discontinuation of “any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law.”
A spokesperson for Harris confirmed the revocation. They noted that no specific reason was provided for the decision. The move has been widely criticized by Harris’s allies.
The decision comes just as Harris is preparing to launch a national book tour for her memoir, “107 Days.” The tour would involve numerous public appearances and extensive travel, increasing her public exposure.
Aides and other officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, have voiced concern. Mayor Bass called the act “another act of revenge.”
This is not the first time President Trump has ended security details for political opponents. He has also previously removed protection for figures like former national security adviser John Bolton.
Presidential authority allows for such decisions. However, security experts are raising alarms about the precedent this sets for the safety of public officials in an increasingly polarized political climate.
With federal protection ending, Harris’s team may have to rely on state and local law enforcement. This could pose significant logistical and financial challenges for her security.
The move has sparked a national conversation about the politicization of security for former public servants. It highlights the discretionary power of the president over security protocols.
The Secret Service, which typically operates with a non-political mandate, is now at the center of a politically charged dispute. They reportedly conducted a threat assessment but found nothing to warrant extended protection.
The debate underscores the tension between legal precedent, executive power, and the need for consistent security for high-profile individuals. The decision is now in the hands of California authorities to ensure Harris’s safety.
