Former Vice President Kamala Harris to Receive Protection from California Highway Patrol
Following President Trump’s decision to revoke her Secret Service protection, former Vice President Kamala Harris will be receiving protection from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), according to law enforcement sources. This move comes after Trump signed a memorandum ending Harris’ protection as of Monday, sparking concerns about her safety and security.
Typically, former vice presidents are entitled to Secret Service protection for six months after leaving office, while ex-presidents receive protection for life. However, before his term ended, then-President Biden signed an order extending Harris’ protection beyond the standard six months to July 2026, at the request of her aides. Without this extension, her security detail would have ended last month.
California Officials Step in to Provide Protection
California officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, have put in place a plan to provide Harris with dignitary protection, which will be carried out by the CHP. Although Newsom’s office has not confirmed the arrangement, his spokesperson, Izzy Gordon, emphasized that “the safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulses.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has also expressed her support for providing Harris with protection, stating that this is “another act of revenge” by Trump and that she looks forward to working with the governor to ensure Harris’ safety in Los Angeles.
The decision to provide Harris with CHP protection comes as she is about to embark on a book tour for her memoir, titled “107 Days,” which has 15 stops, including visits to London and Toronto. As the first Black woman to serve as vice president, Harris has faced an elevated threat level, particularly during her presidential campaign last year. However, a recent threat intelligence assessment by the Secret Service found no credible evidence of a threat to the former vice president.
Context and Precedent
This is not the first time Trump has revoked Secret Service protection from former allies or critics. During his second term, he stripped protection from several individuals, including his former national security adviser John Bolton and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, both of whom have been targeted by Iran. In March, he also ended Secret Service protection for Biden’s children, Hunter and Ashley Biden, who had been granted extended protection by their father.
Harris’ predecessor, former Vice President Mike Pence, did not receive extended Secret Service protection beyond the standard six months. The move to provide Harris with CHP protection highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of public officials, particularly those who have faced threats or have high profiles.
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