President Donald Trump has revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris’ Secret Service protection months before it was set to expire, raising security concerns just as she prepares to launch a 15-city international book tour.
Traditionally, former vice presidents receive federal protection for six months after leaving office. But President Joe Biden quietly extended Harris’ coverage to 18 months at her request, a move that would have kept agents with her until July 2026. Trump abruptly ended that extension Thursday with a memorandum to the Department of Homeland Security, cutting off her detail effective Monday.
The decision comes weeks before Harris’ memoir, 107 Days, is released Sept. 23, with her tour beginning the following day in New York City and including stops in London and Toronto. The book reflects on the historically short length of her presidential campaign. Experts say removing her security so close to such a high-profile, multi-city tour could create significant logistical and safety challenges.
Harris, who resides in Los Angeles, may soon receive state-level protection. California officials have reportedly granted her “dignitary status,” which could allow the California Highway Patrol to step in. However, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office has not confirmed whether he has signed off on the plan.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass blasted Trump’s move as “another act of political retaliation,” warning that it endangered the former vice president. Trump has previously revoked extended protection for political rivals, including members of President Biden’s family.
While a recent threat assessment reportedly found no credible threats against Harris, critics argue the decision to revoke protection appears politically motivated and ill-timed, given both her visibility and the polarized climate.
Harris has ruled out a run for California governor in 2026 but is still considered a potential contender for the 2028 presidential race — a factor analysts say may make her continued safety all the more critical.