Trump Criticizes ABC News Amid Secret Service Controversy with Harris
Former President Donald Trump is escalating tensions with ABC News, especially after comments made by former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile regarding his recent decision to revoke Secret Service protection for Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump asserts that ABC should financially compensate him further following their previous settlement.
Cancellation of Harris’s Secret Service Protections
According to the Los Angeles Times, Trump ended Harris’s federal protective detail as of Monday, a move that has drawn considerable backlash. Historically, former vice presidents receive round-the-clock protection for six months immediately after their term ends. However, President Biden had previously extended Harris’s security to 18 months before Trump chose to reverse that extension.
- Previous Protocol: Standard practice allows vice presidents six months of protection post-term.
- Extended Security: Harris’s protection was initially prolonged due to Biden’s directive.
Brazile’s Criticism
During an appearance on ABC News’s “This Week,” Brazile called Trump’s decision to strip Harris of her security detail “petty” and “vindictive”. She highlighted the contrast between Trump’s treatment of Harris and his actions towards his children, noting:
“Before President Trump left office in 2021, he extended it for his five children, and Joe Biden never rescinded it. Donald Trump rescinded [detail for] the Biden children this past March.”
Brazile emphasized that Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass would ensure Harris continues to receive necessary protection, illustrating her concern over safety in political transitions.
Trump’s Response
Following Brazile’s remarks, Trump took to Truth Social to express his disdain. He criticized both Brazile and ABC, stating:
“Why does Fake News ABC’s This Week have Low IQ ‘commentator’ Donna Brazile on the show? Wasn’t she totally discredited when she gave Crooked Hillary Clinton the questions to a debate??? Wasn’t she FIRED by Fake News CNN for so doing???”
Additionally, Trump pointed out that ABC recently paid him $16 million in a defamation lawsuit over inaccurate reporting, insisting they should pay him even more after what he characterized as unfair commentary from Brazile.
Preibus Weighs In
Reince Priebus, who served as Trump’s chief of staff, also weighed in, downplaying the significance of canceling Harris’s protective detail. He noted that she has, in fact, enjoyed longer protection than Biden or former Vice President Mike Pence, saying:
“The facts are [that] vice presidents get six months of coverage. Here, you’ve got Kamala Harris who just signed a $20 million book deal.”
Priebus challenged the idea that Harris needed federal protection, arguing that she could fund her own security.
Background on ABC News Settlement
Trump’s strained relationship with ABC News reached a new low when he settled a lawsuit against the network in December while serving as president-elect. The lawsuit stemmed from comments made by anchor George Stephanopoulos, who inaccurately reported Trump’s legal standing regarding a high-profile accusation. This legal settlement has fueled Trump’s combative rhetoric towards the network and its contributors.
Summary
- Trump’s Decision: Cancellation of Harris’s Secret Service detail criticized as “petty.”
- Brazile’s Remarks: Claims Trump’s actions are vindictive; calls for continued protection for Harris.
- Trump’s Retort: Accuses ABC and Brazile of bias; calls for additional compensation for defamation.
- Former Staff Input: Priebus defends the move; questions necessity of protection given Harris’s financial state.
The ongoing political drama underscores the contentious nature of modern political discourse, particularly as it pertains to security, media relationships, and the implications of financial settlements in public discussions.
