President Donald Trump has ended Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris. A directive dated Thursday tells the agency to stop all security measures beyond what the law requires, effective September 1.
Why It Matters
By law, former presidents usually get lifetime Secret Service protection, while former vice presidents receive six months of protection after leaving office.
Trump’s memorandum cancels an extra year of protection that former President Joe Biden had approved before leaving office. This change comes as Harris plans a nationwide schedule for her upcoming memoir, raising questions about who will now be responsible for her safety at the federal, state, and local levels.
Kamala Harris Secret Service Protection Revoked: What We Know
Trump sent a document called “Memorandum for the Secretary of Homeland Security,” instructing the Secret Service to stop any protective measures for Harris beyond the minimum required by law. CNN first reported this action, which will take effect on September 1, 2025.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed concerns about the impact of this decision, including the loss of ongoing threat intelligence, analytical support, in-person protection, and federal security at Harris’ Los Angeles home. These changes could make private protection more costly and complicated.
How Long Do Vice Presidents Get Secret Service Protection?
The decision cancels the extension Biden had quietly authorized, which gave Harris an extra year of protection beyond the standard six months. Harris is scheduled to begin a major book tour next month, prompting concern from her team and California officials about her safety.
Reactions
The letter obtained by CNN reads:
“You are hereby authorized to discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law, for the following individual, effective September 1, 2025: Former Vice President Kamala D. Harris.”
Kirsten Allen, a senior adviser to Harris, told CNN: “The Vice President is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told CNN: “This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances, and more. This puts the former Vice President in danger, and I look forward to working with the Governor to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles.”
Kamala Harris Book Tour: What’s Next?
With federal protection ending on September 1, Harris’ team and California officials may arrange alternative security measures. Her upcoming book tour could draw more attention to the decision and its effects on her safety.
