Talk about a plot twist! Former VP Kamala Harris is about to kick off her book tour, but there’s a major development that could change everything. Donald Trump has made a controversial move regarding her security. What does this mean for her upcoming engagements and personal safety?
The political landscape in the United States has once again been shaken by a contentious decision from former President Donald Trump, who has reportedly revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris. This unexpected move comes as Harris prepares to embark on a highly anticipated book tour for her memoir, “107 Days,” raising significant alarms among security experts and political observers alike. The decision highlights the ongoing tensions and retaliatory actions that continue to define the post-presidency era following the last year’s presidential election.
While Secret Service protection is typically extended for a period of six months after a vice president leaves office, President Joe Biden had quietly signed a directive at Ms. Harris’s request, extending her security detail beyond this traditional timeframe. This extension was intended to provide continuity of protection, acknowledging the credible and ongoing threats that former high-ranking officials often face, particularly in today’s polarized political climate. The Biden administration’s foresight in extending this security now stands in stark contrast to Trump’s recent directive.
A senior White House official confirmed on Friday that an executive memorandum was issued to the Department of Homeland Security, mandating the termination of Ms. Harris’s security detail and related services. These services had been extended for 18 months, originally set to conclude in July 2026, but will now be abruptly terminated on Monday, significantly cutting short the planned security arrangements. This swift revocation underscores the immediate impact of the former President’s decision.
The timing of this decision is particularly critical as Ms. Harris is on the cusp of launching a national book tour for “107 Days,” her memoir detailing her historically brief presidential campaign. The tour, beginning September 24th, will put her in the public eye across various locations, amplifying concerns about her personal safety without the standard Secret Service safeguards. Security experts are vocal in their apprehension, emphasizing that continuous protection is paramount for public figures who remain targets.
Living in the Los Angeles area, Ms. Harris’s local political allies have swiftly condemned the decision. Karen Bass, the city’s Democratic mayor, publicly characterized Mr. Trump’s action as “another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation,” warning that it directly endangers the former vice president. Such strong reactions from prominent political figures underscore the gravity and potential repercussions of the security withdrawal.
Mayor Bass has also indicated plans to collaborate with California Governor Gavin Newsom, a fellow Democrat, to ensure Ms. Harris’s safety, confirming that discussions between her and Ms. Harris about the issue are already underway. This immediate response from state and local authorities demonstrates the perceived urgency and the determination to provide alternative security measures in the wake of the federal revocation. The coordination highlights the serious implications for US Politics and Political Security.
Despite her loss to Mr. Trump in the previous Presidential Election, Ms. Harris is widely considered a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential race, having already announced she will not contend for California governor in 2026. This ongoing political relevance further complicates the security situation, as prominent political figures often face heightened risks. The withdrawal of Secret Service protection for a figure like Kamala Harris is therefore not merely administrative but deeply political.
The broader context of political security in the U.S. remains highly charged, especially considering the events of the last year, which saw Mr. Trump himself face two assassination attempts during his second presidency. The Secret Service played a crucial role in protecting the now-president during these incidents, highlighting the critical importance of their presence. The contrast in security provision for former officials, particularly Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, raises significant questions about equity and political influence over security protocols.
