Trump Cancels Kamala Harris’ Secret Service Detail
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Left-Leaning
Why: The reporting highlights concerns from Harris’ team, Democratic officials, and California leaders about safety and political retaliation. It frames Trump’s decision as abrupt and potentially dangerous, with more emphasis on criticism than defense.
What Happened
President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. The move cancels an extended security arrangement authorized by former President Joe Biden before leaving office.
According to a letter reviewed by CNN, Trump directed the Department of Homeland Security to end all security measures for Harris beyond those required by law, effective September 1, 2025.
Harris’s Previous Protection
By law, former vice presidents receive Secret Service protection for six months after leaving office. Harris’ protection expired on July 21, 2025.
President Biden had quietly extended her protection for an additional year through a directive not previously disclosed.
Trump canceled this directive, ending her 24-hour detail and the broader security operations tied to it.
Secret Service Role
Harris’ security detail included:
A rotating team of a dozen to several dozen agents.
24-hour protection at her home in Los Angeles.
Continuous monitoring of threats from emails, texts, social media, and in-person activity.
Without federal protection, her team loses access to national-level threat intelligence and federal coordination.
Why It Matters
Harris is preparing for a multi-city book tour tied to her memoir, 107 Days, set for release on September 23. The book is expected to bring her back into the national spotlight. Her campaign and advisers have raised concerns about safety, pointing out that Harris faced heightened threats as the first woman and first Black woman to serve as vice president. Threat levels reportedly remained high into early 2025, months after the election.
Political Response
Kamala Harris’ team: Harris expressed gratitude to the Secret Service but did not directly address Trump’s action.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA): His office was briefed on the decision and voiced strong opposition. A spokesperson said public officials’ safety should not depend on “erratic, vindictive political impulses.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass: Called the move political retaliation and confirmed she is working with Newsom to ensure Harris’ safety in Los Angeles.
Security Alternatives
Harris may rely on the Los Angeles Police Department or state-level protection coordinated with Gov. Newsom’s office.
Private protection is an option but could cost millions annually.
Her husband, Doug Emhoff, lost his protection in July under standard federal rules.
Wider Context
Presidents and presidential candidates often face significant security risks. Trump himself survived two assassination attempts during his most recent campaign. The removal of Harris’ protection underscores the political stakes around personal safety for high-profile figures, particularly in the lead-up to elections and public events.
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