Republicans are clashing with the Secret Service over demands to provide former President Donald Trump with the same level of security as a sitting president, despite the agency’s assurances that his protection is already at the highest level.
Following a second assassination attempt on Trump last weekend, GOP leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), are pressing the Biden administration for additional security measures. Johnson called the White House, urging President Biden to ensure Trump receives the same protection afforded to a sitting president.
“He’s a former president and a candidate facing unprecedented threats,” Johnson said, noting Trump’s status as the most targeted political figure in recent history.
Despite these concerns, acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe emphasized that Trump’s security is already bolstered following an earlier assassination attempt in July, where a gunman grazed Trump’s ear and injured several others at a rally in Pennsylvania. Rowe assured that the current measures, including tactical assets and counter-surveillance teams, are on par with presidential-level security.
Republicans, however, remain unconvinced. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) echoed calls for enhanced protection, stating that “the Secret Service can and should do more” to safeguard Trump. The recent attack, in which 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh aimed a rifle at Trump from a golf course perimeter, has heightened these concerns. Routh was quickly apprehended after an agent fired at him.
While the Secret Service maintains that Trump’s protection is robust, some lawmakers, such as Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas), believe additional precautions could be taken, particularly in open areas like golf courses. Fallon suggested using dogs to sweep the perimeter, a precaution he described as standard but overlooked.
In response to the ongoing threats, the Secret Service has informed Trump that further security measures will be implemented for future events at open venues. Still, Republicans are exploring legislative options to enforce uniform protection for presidential candidates and the president.
On Friday, the House will vote on a bill introduced by Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) mandating the Secret Service to apply equal standards when assigning protection to the president, vice president, and major candidates. A similar bill from Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) proposes extending presidential-level security to candidates and their spouses.
Despite these efforts, the Secret Service insists that its current protocols already meet the highest protective standards. Lawler emphasized the importance of swift action, stating, “It’s our duty to ensure that elections are decided by ballots, not bullets.”
The debate continues as Republicans push for greater protection, while the Secret Service contends that Trump and Harris are already receiving comprehensive security.
