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United States President Donald Trump has been accused of a “fresh act of revenge” against former US vice-president Kamala Harris after withdrawing her Secret Service protection.
The United States Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security. Its role is providing protection to American political leaders, their families, and other relevant people like visiting heads of state.
Trump sent a signed memo ordering homeland security secretary Kristi Noem to “discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorised by executive memorandum, beyond those required by law” for Harris from 1 September, CNN reported.
It comes ahead of Harris embarking on a 15-city book tour next month for her memoir, 107 Days, about her unsuccessful presidential run.
She was the Democratic nominee for 107 days after Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race amid concerns about his cognitive health following a disastrous debate against Trump.
For how long do US vice-presidents get Secret Service protection?
Typically, the Secret Service protects vice-presidents for six months after they leave office. In Harris’ case, that period ended on 21 July.
However, former US president Joe Biden extended Harris’ protection by a year — up until January 2026 — before he left office at the start of this year.
Biden and his wife Jill get protection for life under a federal law that covers former presidents and their spouses.
Has Trump withdrawn protection for anyone else?
Since taking office in January, Trump has taken similar measures against a long list of his perceived enemies and political opponents.
Trump has withdrawn protection for former national security adviser John Bolton, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo and former top US military officer Mark Milley.
In March, he pulled government bodyguards from Biden’s son Hunter and daughter Ashley, saying it was “ridiculous” that Hunter Biden had a security detail of up to 18 people.
He has also stripped other officials and former officials — including Biden himself — of their security clearances to receive sensitive information.
After his first term in office from 2017 to 2021, Trump issued an order giving a six-month extension of Secret Service protection to all four of his adult children and three senior administration officials.
How have Democrats responded?
Harris’ office has confirmed the move.
“The vice president is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety,” Kirsten Allen, a senior adviser to Harris, said in a statement.
Democrats rallied behind Harris over the move, especially in California, where she previously served as a senator.
Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass said it was “another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation” by Trump, according to a statement reported by US media.
“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.”
US senator Adam Schiff, a California Democrat and frequent Trump critic, called the action “another dangerous reminder that there’s no agenda more important to Donald Trump than retribution”.
