Trump revokes US Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris

President's termination of security detail for Democratic former president is his highest-profile move yet as he targets rivals

Former vice president Kamala Harris is a potential candidate for the 2028 US presidential elections. AP

President Donald Trump has revoked former vice president Kamala Harris's US Secret Service protection, just weeks before she is due to go on a 15-city book tour.

According to a letter seen by The National, Mr Trump on Thursday authorised the Secret Service to “discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorised by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law” to Ms Harris, effective September 1.

Former vice presidents are typically afforded federal protection for six months after leaving office, while former presidents continue to receive coverage for life.

That period elapsed on July 21 for Ms Harris, but former president Joe Biden had quietly extended her protection by an additional 12 months through executive order shortly before he left office, according to reports by CNN and other US outlets.

Mr Trump, a Republican, took office for a second time this year after defeating Ms Harris, his Democratic rival, in November.

The termination of Ms Harris's protection is Mr Trump's highest-profile move so far as he targets political rivals.

He has revoked protections and security clearances from critics and foes as retaliation, including several former allies. His former national security adviser John Bolton, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo and several others have all had their security details revoked.

The White House has also pulled the security clearances of more than 30 current and former intelligence professionals whom it accused of politicising and manipulating intelligence.

Mr Trump cannot legally run for president again, though he frequently touts the idea, which has gained support from a growing number of Republicans.

Ms Harris became the Democratic nominee last summer after Mr Biden abruptly dropped out of the race following a debate performance in which it became clear he was suffering from cognitive decline.

The development comes as Ms Harris next month will launch a book tour for her memoir. It is called 107 Days, the length of time she had to campaign. The book is due to be released on September 23 and her tour starts the next day in New York.

Ms Harris, a former senator, is also a potential candidate for the 2028 election.