Former President Donald Trump’s campaign has requested additional security measures similar to what a sitting president would receive amid increased threats against his life. The campaign reached out to White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients to ask for military assets, armored cars, protection while flying, and temporary airspace restrictions. President Joe Biden directed the Secret Service to provide the highest level of protection for Trump, who has faced two alleged assassination attempts in recent months and has been briefed on threats from Iran.
Specific requests made by the Trump campaign included special forces service members to protect Trump, which was denied by a source who stated that the Secret Service, not the campaign, requested special operations forces to thwart potential drone attacks. The campaign has been using additional tactics and evasive maneuvers to be less predictable in its movements since the threats against Trump’s safety. Rep. Mike Waltz has also requested that the campaign be allowed to use planes equipped to detect and deter threats, but these requests have been met with inaction for weeks.
The Secret Service has claimed to provide comprehensive enhancements to their communications capabilities, resourcing, and protective operations, ensuring that the former President is receiving the highest levels of protection. The Department of Defense regularly provides aid for Trump’s protection, including explosive ordnance disposal, canine units, and airlift transportation. The Secret Service has taken additional steps such as imposing temporary flight restrictions over Trump’s residence and travel, using unmanned aerial vehicles, counter unmanned aerial surveillance systems, and other advanced technology systems.
The Pentagon and Secret Service are concerned that providing more assets would violate federal law restricting the use of the military for domestic purposes. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved a request from the Department of Homeland Security for increased support for candidates, including providing explosive experts and technicians to detect and protect against various threats. This assistance is overseen by U.S. Northern Command and includes help with communications and transportation, similar to support provided for political conventions and major events.
Despite the heightened security measures requested by the Trump campaign, the Secret Service has stated that the former President is receiving the same level of protection as President Biden and that additional assets would violate federal law. Trump’s campaign has been trying to be less predictable in their movements and has requested special forces service members, but these requests have not been acted upon. The Department of Defense regularly provides support for Trump’s protection, including explosive ordnance disposal, canine units, and airlift transportation. Additionally, the Secret Service has implemented various security measures such as temporary flight restrictions and the use of advanced technology systems for detection and protection against threats.
