Kamala Harris Faces Secret Service Security Changes Amid Memoir Promotion

As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares to launch her 15-city tour promoting her memoir, “107 Days,” significant changes to her security detail have emerged. Former President Donald Trump has issued a memo rescinding her Secret Service protection, compelling her to consider private security options that could amount to millions of dollars.

Trump Rescinds Harris’s Secret Service Protection

In a memo dated August 28, 2025, Trump authorized the Department of Homeland Security to cease Secret Service protections for Harris, effective September 1. The memo 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.”

Official Responses

Kirsten Allen, a spokesperson for Harris, expressed gratitude towards the Secret Service:

“The Vice President is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety.”

Despite this, Harris’s office has not received an explanation regarding the abrupt decision to rescind her security. This move notably raises questions about the safety and political motivations involved.

Security Protocol for Former Vice Presidents

While former presidents retain Secret Service protection for life, former vice presidents typically receive coverage for only six months post-office. However, it was reported that President Biden had extended Harris’s security for an additional year, making the current decision particularly surprising.

A Broader Context

Trump’s decision is not isolated; he has also revoked extended security protections for other notable individuals, including:

• Hunter Biden
• Ashley Biden
• Alejandro Mayorkas (former Homeland Security Secretary)
• John Bolton (former National Security Adviser)

Harris’s Upcoming Book Tour

Harris is set to embark on her tour to promote “107 Days,” a memoir that offers insight into her presidential campaign experience. The timing of Trump’s memo coinciding with this tour raises eyebrows about the potential impact on her public appearances.

The Financial Implications of Security Costs

Should Harris opt for private security, she could face substantial financial implications. The cost for private security services can be astronomical, potentially reaching millions yearly. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, does have a lucrative partnership at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, but it is uncertain if his income alone can cover these expenses.

• Estimated Costs of Private Security: Millions annually
• Potential Need for Funding: Harris might need to utilize book advance funds for security.

The Financial Landscape of Harris’s Memoir

While the exact advance for Harris’s memoir remains undisclosed, it is rumored that publishers were willing to offer up to $20 million. This would place her advance in a league comparable to other former presidents:

• Joe Biden: Approximately $10 million for his memoir.
• Bill Clinton: Received a $10 million advance in 2001.
• Barack and Michelle Obama: Reportedly earned $65 million in 2017 for their memoirs.

Conclusion

As Kamala Harris navigates this precarious balance between her political ambitions and her security needs, the implications of Trump’s decision extend beyond finances. The dynamics of her upcoming book tour and the ongoing political landscape will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping her future trajectory.

For further reading about memoirs by public figures and their financial implications, visit Publishers Weekly and explore the details of past memoir deals and their societal impacts.