Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has had his Secret Service protection abruptly rescinded following his announcement that he would suspend his campaign in battleground states and throw his support behind former President Donald Trump. The decision, confirmed on August 25 by both the Secret Service and Kennedy’s press secretary, has raised questions about the timing and potential political motivations behind it.
Kennedy’s Secret Service protection had been a contentious issue, with the Department of Homeland Security denying his request five times before finally granting it in July. The decision to provide protection came in the wake of an assassination attempt on Trump, which sparked renewed attention on the security risks facing high-profile candidates. Trump himself had publicly called for Kennedy to receive protection, citing the violent history surrounding the Kennedy family.
The standard procedure of ending Secret Service protection after a candidate suspends their campaign has not eased concerns that politics may be at play. Critics argue that Kennedy’s decision to endorse Trump likely accelerated the termination of his security detail. Kennedy has long claimed that federal agencies have been weaponized against him, and this latest development only adds fuel to that argument.
As Kennedy transitions to actively supporting Trump in his 2024 campaign, the abrupt end to his Secret Service coverage leaves many wondering about the safety implications for his continued political activity. The situation underscores the deeply polarized nature of today’s political environment, where decisions about security can quickly become flashpoints in broader partisan battles.
