Trump woke up and decided to cancel Kamala Harris’ secret service protection

In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, President Donald Trump has revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris’s extended Secret Service protection—an extension quietly granted by outgoing President Joe Biden. The decision, delivered via a memorandum dated August 28, 2025, takes effect on September 1, 2025, raising alarms amidst a looming book tour that places Harris back in the public eye. 

Extended Protection: From Tradition to Discretion

Under U.S. federal law, former vice presidents are entitled to six months of Secret Service coverage after leaving office. Kamala Harris’s term ended on January 20, 2025, making her standard protection lapse in July. However, in a preemptive move, President Biden signed an undisclosed directive extending her protection to 18 months, likely through July 2026. 

Trump’s directive rescinds this extension—he ordered the cancellation of all security measures “previously authorized by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law.” 

Security Implications: Beyond Agents at the Door

The revocation extends beyond removing security agents—it strips Harris of:

• Threat monitoring, including analysis of communications and social media for suspicious activity

• Protection of her residence in Los Angeles

• 24/7 federal security detail

Altogether, these cuts place Harris, her team, and local officials in a complex position—finding alternative security could cost millions annually. 

The Timing: A Book Tour and a Political Stage

Harris is set to embarks on a multi-city, international book tour, launching September 24, just days after her memoir 107 Days is released on September 23. This high-profile schedule places her at elevated risk, and the withdrawal of protection has raised immediate safety concerns. 

Political Fallout: Charges of Retaliation and Endangerment

Responses have come swiftly:

• California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move, calling it “erratic, vindictive political impulses.”

• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared it “puts the former Vice President in danger,” pledging to work with Newsom to ensure Harris’s safety. 

Critics argue Trump’s pattern of withdrawing security from political adversaries reflects partisan retribution rather than neutral policy. Previous figures affected include John Bolton, Alejandro Mayorkas, and Biden’s adult children.

Security Experts Weigh In: Risks Amid Political Polarization

Security analysts warn that the decision diverges from norm—ensuring continued protection of former high-ranking officials is essential, especially amid rising threats and deepening political conflict. Ending Harris’s coverage ahead of a public book tour raises serious risk concerns.

Timeline of Events

Broader Implications

This decision highlights growing overlap between politics and security in modern U.S. governance.

1. Precedent Setting: Accepting or rejecting extended protections may now hinge on political alignment, not just risk assessments.

2. Privatization of Security: Without federal assistance, high-profile figures may rely on costly private arrangements, potentially exacerbating inequality.

3. Policy Overhaul Needed: A transparent legal framework for post-term protection may be essential to prevent politically motivated security changes.

Summary

• Who: President Trump, Former Vice President Kamala Harris

• What: Revocation of extended Secret Service protection, effective Sept 1, 2025

• Why it matters: Requires private security solutions amid a book tour, raises concerns of politicizing safety

• Responses: Strong backlash from California leaders; security experts alarmed

• Looking ahead: This move may reshape expectations around post-office security and normative political conduct.