Move Sparks Controversy as Former VP Prepares for Memoir Launch
US President Donald Trump has decided to end the Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris, the former vice president and his 2024 Democratic rival, according to a senior White House official. The decision, announced on Friday, came as Harris prepares to embark on a 15-city book tour in September to promote her memoir, 107 Days, which reflects on her brief tenure as the Democratic presidential nominee in 2020.
Traditionally, former vice presidents are granted six months of Secret Service protection after leaving office. However, Kamala Harris had her protection extended to one year—until January 2026—by President Joe Biden before he left office last January. The official announcement from the White House stated that the extension would end on September 1, effectively ceasing her additional security at that time.
Harris’ memoir, 107 Days, details her unsuccessful presidential campaign, which lasted just over three months after Biden dropped out following a problematic debate against Trump. Despite a strong start, Harris was unable to gain momentum in the race and was ultimately defeated by Trump in the 2020 election.
A letter sent to Harris, dated Thursday, confirmed the decision to terminate the extra security. CNN was the first to report the contents of the letter.
Reactions to the Controversial Move
In response to the decision, Kirsten Allen, a senior adviser to Harris, expressed gratitude to the US Secret Service for their professionalism. “The vice president is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety,” Allen said in a statement.
However, the move has sparked strong reactions from critics of Trump. Senator Adam Schiff (D-California), a frequent Trump critic, called the cancellation a “dangerous reminder that there’s no agenda more important to Donald Trump than retribution.”
Trump has previously ended federal security protection for other figures who have criticized him, including former national security adviser John Bolton and Biden’s children, Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, in March.
As Harris prepares for her book tour, the cancellation of her security detail has become a topic of significant political debate, especially as the 2024 election looms closer.
