Talk about a plot twist! Just as former VP Kamala Harris gears up for a high-profile book tour, her Secret Service protection has been dramatically revoked. What does this mean for her safety on the road, and who’s stepping up to fill the security gap? You won’t believe the latest developments!
In a politically charged move, former President Donald Trump has officially rescinded Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, effective September 1, 2025. This decision, conveyed through an official memorandum, comes at a particularly sensitive time as Harris prepares to embark on a high-profile, multi-city book tour, dramatically escalating concerns about her personal safety and public security risks.
The unprecedented directive has sparked widespread alarm, especially given that arrangements for Harris’s security had previously been extended beyond the standard period. Prior to his departure in January 2025, former President Joe Biden had quietly prolonged her protection for an additional year until July 2026, a measure reportedly requested by Harris’s aides to ensure her continued safety post-tenure, which typically offers only six months of federal security.
A Secret Service source confirmed that the order to remove Harris’s protection originated directly from the former President. Crucially, this decision was made without any new threat evaluations or updated security risk assessments, underscoring the political nature of the revocation. Normally, Harris would benefit from a dedicated team of agents providing round-the-clock protection tailored to her demanding schedule.
Harris’s team has voiced profound concerns over the implications of this withdrawal. They argue that the loss extends beyond merely physical security, encompassing critical access to essential threat intelligence, including vital monitoring of online activities and communications that could signal potential risks. Furthermore, her residence, previously under federal guard, will no longer receive such protection, leaving her vulnerable to unforeseen dangers.
The financial burden of this decision is also significant, as securing private security services comparable to the Secret Service’s comprehensive protection would likely cost millions of dollars annually, a substantial expense for any former official. This abrupt change places an unexpected and considerable challenge on Harris as she navigates an increasingly visible public profile.
Political figures have been swift to condemn the action, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass labeling it another act of political retaliation. Senator Adam Schiff echoed these sentiments, describing the move as “another dangerous act that shows there is no agenda more important to Donald Trump than retribution.” These reactions highlight the deep partisan divisions exacerbated by such decisions.
In response to the federal withdrawal, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has stepped forward to provide interim security for Harris, particularly during her time in Los Angeles. Following discussions among Governor Newsom, Mayor Bass, and state authorities, the CHP’s involvement aims to bridge the security gap as Harris commences her demanding 15-city book tour, which includes international stops in London and Toronto.
Officials have not yet disclosed the full details of this interim arrangement or its duration, but it is clear that state resources are being mobilized to ensure her safety. This commitment from local and state leaders underscores a collective determination to protect former Vice President Harris during a period of heightened public exposure and significant political tension, despite the controversial federal decision to revoke her long-standing security detail.
The timing of this revocation, just weeks before the launch of her memoir tour on September 24, 2025, is seen as particularly strategic. Without federal protection, Harris could face substantially heightened risks during public appearances and extensive travel, where large crowds and potential threats are more frequent, leaving her potentially exposed during what promises to be a very visible and critical phase of her post-vice presidency.