President Donald Trump revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris’ Secret Service protection on Thursday via a memo titled "Memorandum for the Secretary of Homeland Security," effective September 1, 2025.
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cnn.comThe directive instructs the agency to discontinue security procedures beyond legal requirements for Harris, marking the end of her extended protection.
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theguardian.comThis action follows Biden’s undisclosed executive order extending her detail beyond the standard six-month federal mandate for former vice presidents.
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cnn.comLegal Framework and Extension.Under US law, former vice presidents receive six months of Secret Service protection after leaving office, while former presidents are entitled to lifetime coverage.
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ca.news.yahoo.comHarris’ initial period ended on July 21, but her protection was extended for an additional year via a directive signed by Biden before his departure.
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cnn.comThe White House confirmed the revocation without citing security reviews or threat assessments, with Secret Service leadership showing no pushback.
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cnn.comPolitical Backlash and Security Concerns.The move has drawn immediate criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who called it politically motivated retaliation.
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bbc.comHarris’ team expressed worries about her safety amid a planned multi-city book tour for her memoir "107 Days," which will place her in public view more than since leaving office.
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cnn.comSecret Service protection includes threat intelligence analysis, 24/7 security, and home safeguarding—elements that would now lapse.
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ca.news.yahoo.comCost and Alternatives.Private security for high-profile individuals can cost millions annually, with examples like Meta’s $23 million spent on Mark Zuckerberg’s detail.
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bbc.comHarris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, lost his protection on July 21 under standard guidelines for a former vice president’s spouse.
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komonews.comWhile Los Angeles police could provide local coverage, Newsom’s spokesperson condemned the decision as undermining public officials’ safety.
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cnn.comContext of Trump’s Actions.This follows a pattern of Trump revoking protections for political adversaries, including Hunter Biden and Anthony Fauci.
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komonews.comSecret Service Director Ronald Kessler noted the agency is overburdened, prioritizing threats against Trump and his administration.
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bbc.comOnly Dick Cheney previously received extended protection after leaving office, under Obama.
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bbc.comThreat Assessments and Public Perception.Despite claims of no alarming risks, Harris’ team argued her status as the first female and Black vice president heightened security concerns.
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bbc.comRecent threats against her—including arrests for online harassment—were documented during her tenure.
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bbc.comCritics argue Trump’s action reflects a broader strategy of political retribution rather than operational necessity.
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cnn.comThis story highlights tensions between executive authority and individual safety, with implications for how former officials navigate post-presidential security.
