In response to escalating security threats, including two assassination attempts and ongoing dangers posed by Iran, President Donald Trump’s campaign has significantly increased its requests for enhanced security measures. Sources familiar with the situation have indicated that these measures include military aircraft equipped with missile defense systems, as well as heightened ground security during the former president’s campaign stops across the country.
The Trump campaign is seeking to secure military resources, such as aircraft with advanced defense capabilities, to ensure his safety as he travels during the critical final weeks of the 2024 presidential campaign. These resources are intended to safeguard against potential threats, including surface-to-air missile attacks.
When asked about the request, President Joe Biden voiced his support for providing Trump with the necessary protections. “I’ve told the department to give him every single thing he needs,” Biden said, emphasizing that Trump should be treated as if he were still a sitting president. Biden humorously added, “As long as he doesn’t ask for F-15s.”
The enhanced security measures were first proposed by Trump’s co-campaign manager, Susie Wiles, during a phone call with White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients about two weeks ago. Sources indicate that Zients promptly connected Wiles with senior officials at the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service, ensuring a direct line of communication. A formal request for additional security was later submitted to Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe on September 30, according to an email reviewed by CNN.
In addition to military aircraft, the Trump campaign has also requested access to vehicles from Camp David to bolster the former president’s motorcade, as well as the use of military drones equipped with thermal monitoring technology. They’ve also asked the Secret Service to increase stockpiles of ballistic glass at outdoor rally locations in several key swing states. Furthermore, Trump’s team is seeking more funding for local law enforcement officials who assist with his security detail, along with added administrative support from the Secret Service headquarters.
The Secret Service is currently reviewing the requests, which will need to go through formal channels, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, before they can be implemented. According to a federal law enforcement official, some of these requests may face legal hurdles, particularly those related to the use of military resources within the United States due to constitutional restrictions.
Despite these efforts, insiders close to the campaign have expressed frustration over the delays in securing additional protections for Trump. Given the growing number of threats, the campaign has already taken independent action to improve security. Trump’s security team has made changes to his travel arrangements, including switching aircraft and staying at different properties to avoid potential risks.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the leadership within the Secret Service. While Trump’s personal security detail remains trusted, the campaign has reportedly lost faith in the decision-making of Secret Service headquarters following the two assassination attempts and past denials of key security requests.
The campaign has been informed that some requests may not be feasible for a presidential candidate, as all candidates and presidents face limitations on their freedom of movement due to security protocols. Trump has privately voiced his dissatisfaction with these restrictions, claiming they have forced him to hold smaller rallies than usual.
Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Secret Service, affirmed that Trump is receiving “the highest levels of protection” and that the agency will continue to adjust security as needed in response to evolving threats. He highlighted several ongoing measures, including flight restrictions over Trump’s residence and the use of advanced surveillance technologies such as drones, counter-surveillance systems, and ballistic protections.
Recent assassination attempts have intensified the urgency for these requests. In July, Trump narrowly escaped a shooting incident, and in September, a suspected shooter set up a “sniper’s nest” near Trump’s golf course in Florida. In addition, intelligence suggests there is an active Iranian threat targeting the former president’s life.
In response to these dangers, the Secret Service has expanded Trump’s security detail, bringing additional agents into rotation and deploying a counter-assault team for his protection. After the Pennsylvania incident, Trump’s campaign also requested that an observer be stationed in command centers during campaign events to monitor law enforcement communications and provide direct updates to senior campaign officials.
As security concerns mount and the presidential race intensifies, Trump’s team continues to push for additional protective measures, determined to ensure the former president’s safety on the campaign trail.
Source: CNN
