Trump Withdraws Secret Service Protection For Kamala Harris

In a controversial move, President Donald Trump has ordered an end to Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, just months after she left office. The decision reverses a directive signed by former President Joe Biden, who had quietly extended Harris’ security detail for an additional year beyond the six-month period guaranteed by law.

According to a memo dated Thursday and reviewed by BBC News, Trump instructed the Secret Service to “discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorised” for Harris effective September 1. A senior White House official confirmed the order, which comes as Harris prepares to launch a national book tour promoting 107 Days, her memoir recounting her brief 2024 presidential run.

In 2008, the US Congress enacted a law permitting the Secret Service to provide protection to former vice presidents, their spouses and any children under the age of 16 after leaving office, a window that closed for Harris in July. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, lost his detail on July 1. Harris’ extended security was meant to provide additional safeguards amid past threats, but officials say a recent threat assessment found no reason to continue coverage.

Losing her detail means Harris will no longer have agents securing her Los Angeles home, escorting her during travel, or monitoring threats on her behalf—services that experts say could cost millions of dollars annually if privately arranged. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass sharply criticised Trump’s decision. “This is another act of political retaliation,” Bass told CNN, adding that she would work to ensure Harris’ safety in Los Angeles.

This is not the first time Trump has scaled back security protections. Since returning to the White House in January, he has revoked details for Hunter and Ashley Biden, Anthony Fauci, and even some of his own former allies, including Mike Pompeo and John Bolton.

Harris faced several security threats during her time in office, and former Secret Service officials have said that the dangers were compounded by the fact that she was the first woman and first person of colour to serve in the office. In 2024, a Virginia man was arrested for threatening to kill both Harris and former President Barack Obama, while in 2021, a Florida woman pleaded guilty to plotting violence against her.

Trump himself has relied heavily on Secret Service protection, particularly after surviving two assassination attempts during last year’s campaign. The latest move raises questions about how political dynamics may be shaping security decisions in Washington.