In response to two assassination attempts and persistent threats from Iran, Trump’s campaign has intensified its requests for heightened security measures as he prepares for the final stretch of the presidential campaign. Sources familiar with the matter have reported that Trump’s team is seeking permission to use military aircraft equipped with antimissile systems, along with additional security resources at his campaign stops across the U.S.
The campaign has proposed these enhancements to ensure the former president’s safety as he travels for rallies and events. The requests include access to aircraft with advanced deterrent systems designed to protect against surface-to-air missile threats. Additionally, Trump’s team has asked for access to Camp David vehicles for use in his primary motorcade, as well as other military assets, including drones equipped with thermal monitoring technology.
President Joe Biden expressed support for Donald Trump request for increased security. When asked about it, he stated, “I’ve told the department to give him every single thing he needs… as he were a sitting president.” However, Biden added a light-hearted remark, saying, “as long as he doesn’t ask for F-15s.”
The security push from Trump’s campaign was initiated by Susie Wiles, Trump’s co-campaign manager, during a conversation with Biden’s chief of staff, Jeff Zients. Following that discussion, Wiles formally submitted the request for additional security resources to acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe on September 30. Zients, acting on Biden’s directive, ensured that Wiles was connected with key figures at the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service to streamline the process.
Trump’s campaign has also called for increased stockpiles of ballistic glass to be installed at various locations across key swing states, a protective measure the Secret Service currently uses at his outdoor rallies. Additionally, they are requesting extra funding for local law enforcement agencies, which often play a crucial role in augmenting Trump’s security detail, as well as further administrative support from Secret Service headquarters.
The campaign’s appeal for such resources, however, could encounter legal hurdles, as there are constitutional restrictions on the use of military assets within the United States. Despite these challenges, the Secret Service remains committed to providing what it calls “the highest levels of protection.” According to agency spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi, “The Secret Service will remain vigilant and continue to adjust and enhance its protective posture as needed to mitigate evolving threats.”
The Secret Service has increased its security measures for Donald Trump since two recent attempts on his life, including one incident in July where Donald Trump narrowly avoided a shooting in Pennsylvania. Since then, the agency has added more agents to his protective detail, ramped up the use of advanced surveillance and countermeasure technologies, and imposed flight restrictions over his residences and event locations.
Concerns over Donald Trump’s safety have led the campaign to implement new protocols, such as varying his travel routine by using different planes and changing accommodations more frequently. Despite these measures, some within Trump’s team have expressed frustration that their requests for additional protections have not been fully addressed. They attribute this to their distrust of the Secret Service’s leadership, although they remain confident in Trump’s personal security detail.
To further bolster security coordination, Donald Trump’s team has asked to have a representative present in command centers that oversee local, state, and federal law enforcement operations during campaign events. This individual would have access to communications and a direct line to senior campaign officials, ensuring that security protocols are effectively managed in real time.
The escalating security measures underscore the increased risks Trump faces as he campaigns for a return to the White House, highlighting both the challenges of protecting a high-profile candidate and the broader concerns of political violence.
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