President Donald Trump has revoked the Secret Service protection that had been arranged for former Vice President Kamala Harris by Joe Biden before leaving office, according to her advisers.
By law, former vice presidents are entitled to six months of protection after leaving office. Harris’ coverage, which should have expired in July, had been quietly extended for another year through an executive directive signed by Biden. But a memo signed by Trump on Thursday, seen by the BBC, ordered that protection be discontinued starting September 1.
The timing coincides with Harris’ upcoming national book tour to promote 107 Days, a memoir recounting her short-lived 2024 presidential campaign.
A senior White House official confirmed the directive, while sources told CBS that a recent threat assessment did not find any compelling reason to extend Harris’ security detail beyond what is legally mandated. Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, lost his Secret Service protection in July when his legally entitled period ended.
The revocation means Harris will no longer have agents assigned to her or proactive intelligence monitoring threats to her safety and property in Los Angeles. Privately funding equivalent protection could cost millions annually.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the move. Bass told CNN, “This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, revoking of clearances, and more. This puts Harris in danger, and I will ensure she remains safe in Los Angeles.”
Since returning to office, Trump has revoked Secret Service protections for several figures, including Hunter and Ashley Biden, Anthony Fauci, and even former allies like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton, who later became critics.
Harris faced multiple threats during her time in office, compounded by her position as the first woman and first person of color to serve as US vice president. In August 2024, a Virginia man was charged with making online threats to kill or injure Harris and Barack Obama. Earlier, in 2021, a Florida woman pled guilty to sending videos threatening Harris with violence.
With Trump’s decision, concerns remain over Harris’ safety as she embarks on high-profile public appearances nationwide.