U.S. President Donald Trump has officially ended Secret Service protection for former Vice President and 2024 Democratic rival Kamala Harris, a senior White House official confirmed on Friday.
Former vice presidents typically receive six months of security coverage once they leave office. However, Harris was granted an extension by then-President Joe Biden, allowing her protection to continue until January 2026. The recent decision brings that arrangement to an abrupt end. According to a letter dated Thursday, her security coverage will now terminate on September 1.
Why Did Trump Cancel Harris’ Security?
The White House has not provided a detailed explanation for the decision. However, this move aligns with Trump’s previous actions, as he has also withdrawn federal protection from other political figures who have criticized him, such as former national security adviser John Bolton. Earlier in March, Trump ended Secret Service coverage for Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, the children of his 2020 opponent.
What’s Next for Kamala Harris?
Despite losing to Trump in the 2024 presidential election, Harris remains an influential figure in U.S. politics. She has not ruled out a future run for the presidency in 2028, though she announced on July 30 that she would not pursue the California governorship in 2026. In the meantime, she is preparing for a September launch of her 15-city book tour for her memoir, 107 Days, which recounts her short-lived campaign as the Democratic nominee following Biden’s withdrawal.
How Did Harris Respond?
Kirsten Allen, a senior adviser to Harris, expressed gratitude on her behalf, stating: “The vice president is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety.”
Harris’ security termination marks another high-profile case of Trump curbing federal protection for former political rivals and critics, intensifying the ongoing debate over how security privileges are handled in post-office politics.
By Yockshard Enyendi