Trump Cuts Secret Service Protection for Harris Amidst Book Tour and Political Tensions

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, were both present at a presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024.

The Secret Service typically provides protection to former vice presidents for six months after they leave office. This protection for Harris, the defeated Democratic presidential candidate from the previous year, was set to expire on July 21. However, then-President Joe Biden had approved a year-long extension for Harris. This extension was previously undisclosed.

A senior White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Trump has now terminated this extension. Kirsten Harris, a senior advisor to Harris, expressed the Vice President's gratitude to the Secret Service for their dedication.

Following her election loss, Harris has maintained a relatively low profile. However, she is scheduled to embark on a book tour this fall to promote a book she has written about her unsuccessful presidential campaign. This tour will necessitate her frequent public appearances.

Harris's book, titled "107 Days," offers an inside perspective on her brief presidential run against Trump. The memoir, published by Simon & Schuster, is slated for release in the United States on September 23.

Harris, the first woman to serve as U.S. Vice President, became the Democratic nominee after Biden withdrew from the race due to concerns about his cognitive health. Harris stated that she wrote the book with "candor and reflection" and promised a "behind-the-scenes account" of the campaign.

The decision to withdraw her protection comes despite the Trump administration's repeated emphasis on the importance of security for current officials, particularly following the assassination attempt Trump survived in July 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Trump issued a signed memo directing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to "discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law" for Harris, effective September 1.

Since assuming office in January, Trump has implemented similar measures against numerous individuals he perceives as enemies or political adversaries. He has revoked security clearances for other officials and former officials, including Joe Biden. He has also targeted law firms involved in past cases against him and withdrawn federal funding from universities.

While Biden and his wife Jill are entitled to lifetime protection under federal law as a former president and spouse, Trump removed government bodyguards from Biden's son Hunter and daughter Ashley in March. Trump described the security detail for Hunter Biden as "ridiculous."

Trump has also withdrawn protection for former national security advisor John Bolton, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, and Anthony Fauci, who led the nation's response to Covid-19.