Former US Vice President Kamala Harris will no longer have Secret Service protection after President Donald Trump rescinded an extension that was previously granted by former President Joe Biden, as revealed in a letter reviewed by CNN.
The letter, which is titled "Memorandum for the Secretary of Homeland Security" and is dated Thursday, states: "You are hereby authorized to discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law, for the following individual, effective September 1, 2025: Former Vice President Kamala D. Harris."
According to federal law, former vice presidents are entitled to six months of protection after leaving office, a period that concluded for Harris on July 21. Biden had extended her protection for an additional year through a directive that had not been made public before.
Harris, who is about to embark on a multi-city book tour for her memoir "107 Days," will not only lose the agents assigned to protect her in person but also her access to continuous threat intelligence, which includes analysis of in-person situations, emails, texts, and social media, as per sources familiar with her security operations. Additionally, her home in Los Angeles will no longer be under federal protection.
"The Vice President is thankful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety," stated Kirsten Allen, a senior adviser to Harris.
Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, also lost his personal security detail on July 21, in accordance with standard provisions for the spouse of a former vice president.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was informed of this change late Thursday. Bob Salladay, a spokesperson for Newsom, criticized the decision, stating, "The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulses."
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her disapproval of the decision, labeling it as "yet another act of vengeance following a lengthy series of political retribution, including dismissals, the withdrawal of security clearances, and more. This action endangers the former Vice President, and I am eager to collaborate with the Governor to ensure Vice President Harris's safety in Los Angeles."
The White House and Secret Service have not yet responded to CNN’s inquiries for comment. Trump's decision to revoke comes at a time of increased public visibility for Harris, as she makes her first significant public appearances since her departure from office. This action raises concerns regarding the expenses and logistics of providing equivalent private security, which could potentially cost millions of dollars each year.