After Trump campaign request, Secret Service details added protection
The Secret Service detailed Sunday the added protection for former President Trump after his campaign sent “several requests” for additional security.
“The United States Secret Service is prepared to meet the challenges posed by the heightened threat level facing former President Trump and the agency’s other protectees,” acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr. said in a statement.
Trump campaign co-manager Susie Wiles made several requests to Rowe, including providing military aircraft that can shoot down missiles. The request also included armored vehicles, expansion of temporary flight restrictions over Trump’s residencies and rallies and more.
The Secret Service said some of Trump’s requests were already being provided as part of the organization’s enhancements following the two assassination attempts against the former president in recent months.
A gunman opened fire at Trump's Butler, Pa., rally in mid-July. The former president was grazed by a bullet, one person was killed and two others were injured. Weeks later, Secret Service fired at a man who was sticking his rifle through the perimeter of Trump's golf course.
Some of Trump’s additional requests are in the process of being fulfilled, but others are “beyond the scope” of what is applicable for the agency to grant to someone who is not occupying the Oval Office, the agency said.
Still, as of Sunday, Trump is receiving the Secret Service’s “highest levels of protection,” and the agency said it will “remain vigilant” to adjust and bolster its efforts to “mitigate evolving threats.”
The requests for additional protection come after Trump and his advisers were briefed by intelligence officials about plans from Iran to attack Trump.
Part of Trump’s increased security is a “cadre of rotating special agents” that are part of his detail. His motorcade has been increased in size and security to match that of President Biden’s.
The Secret Service is also using unmanned aircraft systems like drones to conduct observation from the air and address ballistic concerns. All nominees in the final weeks of the campaign have this asset, the agency said.
The agency said it is also seeking federal funding to reimburse state and local law enforcement for their support of Trump while he travels on the campaign trail.
The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment.