WASHINGTON —President Donald Trump has revoked U.S. Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris; a senior adviser to Harris confirmed to NBC News on Friday.
The Vice President is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety,” the adviser said.
TJ News Nigeria reports that a senior White House official confirmed the move, noting that vice presidents typically receive six months of protection after leaving office. However, Harris had previously been granted an 18-month extension under President Joe Biden’s administration.
Also Read : Kamala Harris Biography, Age, Sister, Parents, Children and Facts About Her
Legal Background on Former Vice Presidents’ Protection
Congress passed legislation in 2008 authorising the Secret Service to protect former vice presidents, their spouses, and children under 16 for up to six months after leaving office.
While this is standard practice, Biden had issued an executive memorandum in January extending Harris’ protection to 18 months, an unusual move compared to other former vice presidents. A senior administration official told NBC that “Mike Pence, then-Vice President Biden, and Dick Cheney all received the customary six months,” and further extensions require presidential or congressional approval.
Former Vice Presidents Al Gore and Dan Quayle also received similar extensions of up to 180 days, according to former Secret Service director Mark Sullivan.
The change was communicated from the White House to the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service on Thursday. Harris’ protection is scheduled to end September 1, 2025.
Harris’ security detail will be temporarily reassigned to New York to support operations at the United Nations General Assembly, with plans to return to standard duties after the event.
This action follows a series of measures by Trump targeting officials who served under President Biden. Earlier this year, Trump revoked Secret Service protection for Biden’s adult children, Hunter and Ashley Biden, and for former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Reactions and Official Statements
Harris’ adviser expressed gratitude for the Secret Service:
“The Vice President is thankful for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety,” the adviser said.
The former president’s office declined to comment. A senior administration official described the extension of Harris’ protection as “not typical”, contrasting it with previous vice presidents who only received six months of protection.
Comparisons with Previous Vice Presidents
Historically, former vice presidents have received six months of protection unless a president or Congress authorises an extension. Notable examples include:
- Dick Cheney – Requested an extension due to safety concerns; granted by President Barack Obama.
- Al Gore and Dan Quayle – Received 180-day protections.
- Mike Pence and Joe Biden (as VP) – Standard six months without additional extension.
Experts note that Harris’ 18-month protection under Biden was exceptional compared to precedent.
Broader Political Context
Observers say this move fits a pattern of actions by Trump that remove privileges from former Biden administration officials. This includes revoking security clearances and protective details, sometimes even for his own former staff, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton.
The revocation has sparked debate over whether these decisions are routine or politically motivated, given that similar measures have been applied selectively.
Harris’ Future Plans
Harris revealed in July that she will not run for governor of California next year, and it remains unclear if she plans to pursue the presidency in 2028.
“For now, my leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office,” Harris said. “I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans.”
Harris is also scheduled to launch a 15-city book tour promoting her memoir, 107 Days, reflecting on her short presidential campaign last year.
Security Concerns
Like all former presidents and vice presidents, Harris has faced threats during and after her tenure. The Secret Service maintains protection to mitigate risks from such threats, which have intensified in recent years.
Federal law guarantees lifelong protection for former presidents and their spouses and protection for children under 16. Former vice presidents and their families typically receive six months of post-term protection, with extensions requiring special authorisation.
