Trump cancels Secret Service detail for Kamala Harris
In a significant policy reversal, President Trump has decided to revoke the Secret Service protection extended to former Vice President Kamala Harris, effective September 1, 2025.
According to New York Post, this termination follows an unusual extension put in place by then-President Joe Biden, which prolonged Harris' protection period beyond the customary duration accorded to former vice presidents.
As dictated by standard procedure, the Secret Service protection for former vice presidents typically lasts for six months following the end of their term. In this case, Harris would have ceased to receive protection on July 21, 2025. However, prior to leaving office, Biden extended her detail for an entire year, lasting through January 2025.
Decision Comes Amid Security Changes
This recent decision by President Trump marks a departure from the tradition, as he authorized the termination of Harris's protection through a signed order. Trump’s action comes amid a broader shift in security measures regarding former government officials.
Interestingly, Harris' security clearance was also previously revoked by the Trump administration in March this year. This move prevented her from accessing classified information, a restriction that has also been implemented against several other officials.
Biden, Hillary Clinton, Alvin Bragg, and Letitia James found themselves in similar positions, with their security clearances having been rescinded earlier in Trump's presidency.
Biden’s Policy Reversals Under Trump
Trump has been reversing a number of Biden-era security measures, further illustrating his approach toward former officials' protections. Along with Harris, several others, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, Alejandro Mayorkas, John Bolton, and Mike Pompeo, have seen their Secret Service details revoked.
Interestingly, Trump also canceled the continuation of Secret Service protection for former first son Hunter Biden and first daughter Ashley Biden. This decision effectively nullified Biden's prior executive order granting them extended protection.
The news of Hunter Biden being spotted in South Africa with a security detail in mid-March highlights how these changes have caught widespread public and media attention.
The Impact on Harris and Her Upcoming Memoir
Amid these developments, Kamala Harris prepares to release her memoir. The book, which documents her experiences during her unsuccessful 2024 presidential run, is scheduled for publication soon.
As Harris gears up for the release of her book, security will remain a key concern with the revocation of her protective detail. The timing of her memoir's release intersects with significant changes in her personal and political life following the 2025 security revocation order.
Though the factors leading to Biden's decision to extend Harris' protection remain undisclosed, Trump's policy shift is certain to raise questions. The change emphasizes the administration's intent to reassess security protocols for various former government figures.
"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," a letter obtained by CNN elaborated on the details of the order.
How The Changes Reflect Wider Trends
The decision reflects a broader trend in evaluating and modifying past policies on the protection of former government officials. The implications of this trend are likely to be watched closely as they unfold.
Questions now arise about the balance between necessary security provisions and the political implications of their revocation. As the political landscape continues to evolve, these policy changes may set precedents for future administrations.
While Trump’s decisions signal a clear departure from Biden's protective policies, the long-term effects on both the individuals affected and the broader security landscape remain to be seen.