President Donald Trump terminated Kamala Harris’ Secret Service protection on Thursday, cancelling an undisclosed extension that former President Joe Biden had quietly authorised before leaving office.
Trump’s directive, titled “Memorandum for the Secretary of Homeland Security,” orders the discontinuation of security procedures for Harris effective September 1. The move affects protection that had been extended beyond the standard six-month period required by federal law for former vice presidents.
Harris’ initial protection period ended on July 21, but Biden had signed an executive memorandum shortly before leaving office extending her security detail for an additional year. The extension had not been made public until Trump’s cancellation revealed its existence.
“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,” Trump’s letter stated.
The timing coincides with Harris’ upcoming book tour for her memoir “107 Days,” chronicling her presidential campaign. The multi-city promotional tour for the September 23 release will mark her highest-profile public appearances since leaving office.
Harris faced particular security concerns during her tenure as the first woman and first Black woman to serve as vice president. Those threats intensified during her presidential campaign and remained elevated following the election, according to sources familiar with her security operations.
The cancellation eliminates not only personal protection agents but also comprehensive threat intelligence analysis covering in-person situations, communications, and social media monitoring. Harris’ Los Angeles home will no longer receive federal protection, and her staff will lose access to threat warnings previously provided by the Secret Service.
Doug Emhoff, Harris’ husband, had already lost his personal security detail on July 21 under standard provisions for former vice presidents’ spouses. The cost of replacing federal protection with private security could reach millions of dollars annually.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the protection cancellation Thursday evening. His spokesperson Bob Salladay criticised the decision, stating: “The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulses.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass coordinated with Newsom Thursday evening regarding potential alternative security arrangements. “This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation,” Bass said. “This puts the former Vice President in danger and I look forward to working with the Governor to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles.”
Harris’ senior adviser Kirsten Allen expressed gratitude for the Secret Service’s work whilst the protection remained in effect. The White House and Secret Service have not responded to requests for comment regarding the cancellation.
