In a recent development, former Vice President Kamala Harris will be under the protection of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) after President Donald Trump revoked her Secret Service protection. Law enforcement sources confirmed this decision on Friday, highlighting the ongoing political turmoil surrounding security arrangements for public officials.
President Trump signed a memorandum on Thursday, officially ending Harris’s Secret Service protection effective Monday. This move has raised significant concerns, particularly because former vice presidents typically receive Secret Service protection for six months following their term. In contrast, former presidents are granted protection for life.
Prior to Trump's decision, then-President Joe Biden had extended Harris’s security coverage beyond the standard six-month period, which would have expired last month. This extension, requested by Harris's aides, allowed her protection to continue until July 2026.
In light of Trump's actions, California officials swiftly devised a plan for dignitary protection for Harris. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom has not publicly confirmed the specifics of this arrangement. Izzy Gordon, a spokesperson for Newsom, stated, “Our office does not comment on security arrangements,” emphasizing the importance of safety for public officials and the need to shield such matters from “erratic, vindictive political impulses.”
Newsom's office, along with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, was engaged in discussions on how to best ensure Harris's safety, especially considering her residence in western Los Angeles. Mayor Bass condemned the revocation of protection, calling it “another act of revenge” and expressing concerns about the dangers posed to the former Vice President.
As Harris prepares for her upcoming book tour for her memoir titled “107 Days,” which references the brief duration of her presidential campaign, security remains a priority. The tour includes 15 stops, featuring international locations such as London and Toronto. Interestingly, a recent threat intelligence assessment by the Secret Service found no credible threats against Harris, despite her history of elevated threat levels during her time as a presidential candidate.
This situation mirrors previous instances during Trump's presidency, where he stripped Secret Service protection from several former allies, including John Bolton and Mike Pompeo, who faced threats due to their political affiliations. Additionally, Trump had previously revoked protection for President Biden’s children, Hunter and Ashley Biden.
As the security landscape for public officials evolves, the transition from Secret Service to CHP protection for Kamala Harris underscores the complexities of political dynamics in the current climate. With her memoir tour looming, the emphasis on her safety remains paramount, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by leaders in navigating their security in politically charged environments.
