Former President Donald Trump’s campaign has intensified requests for additional security measures akin to those afforded to a sitting president, following an increase in threats to Trump’s life. According to a source familiar with the situation, the Trump campaign’s appeal for bolstered security reflects concerns over the former president’s safety while campaigning for the 2024 election. NBC News reports that Trump’s team is seeking military support, armored vehicles, airspace restrictions, and special operations protection to shield the former president from potential assassination attempts.
In late September, Susie Wiles, Trump’s campaign co-manager, reached out to White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients to discuss the security challenges Trump faces during public appearances. Wiles sought assistance from the Biden administration to deploy military assets for the former president, including the use of armored cars and flight protection measures. The request highlights concerns over Trump’s security, especially as his campaign intensifies in key battleground states where large crowds and high-profile events increase potential risks.
Upon receiving the request, Zients immediately directed Wiles to leadership at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Secret Service, ensuring a direct line of communication between the Trump campaign and the agencies responsible for protecting high-profile figures. According to the source, President Joe Biden has instructed the Secret Service to offer the highest level of protection to Trump, underscoring the bipartisan consensus on safeguarding former presidents, regardless of political affiliations.
The Trump campaign has further requested the assignment of special operations forces to help protect Trump from threats, including those posed by drone attacks, which have become a rising concern in the modern security landscape. However, two U.S. officials clarified that the request for special operations forces originated from Secret Service officials, not the Trump campaign, and was focused on countering potential drone-related threats.
The Secret Service has denied any delays in responding to these security concerns, with spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirming that the agency has taken comprehensive steps to bolster Trump’s protection. According to Guglielmi, these enhancements include improved communication capabilities, increased resources, and heightened protective operations since a July assassination attempt on Trump.
“Today, the former president is receiving the highest levels of protection,” Guglielmi said in a statement. He added that Trump is safeguarded by various advanced technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles, counter-surveillance systems, and ballistics protection.
Trump’s security concerns are not without merit. Over the past few months, the former president has faced two alleged assassination attempts. In July, an armed individual was killed during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was speaking. A second incident occurred last month when Secret Service agents detected a man carrying a firearm near the perimeter of Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida. Trump, who was golfing at the time, was swiftly evacuated to safety.
In addition to domestic threats, Trump’s campaign has been briefed on potential international dangers. Last month, intelligence officials informed Trump of assassination threats from Iran. These threats appear to stem from Trump’s role in ordering the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. The Iranian government has reportedly been exploring ways to retaliate, further complicating Trump’s security landscape.
As a result of these incidents, Trump’s campaign has been forced to adopt more evasive tactics to protect the former president’s safety. A source with knowledge of the campaign’s movements indicated that Trump’s team has been using less predictable travel schedules, making it harder for potential assailants to track his whereabouts. The campaign has also incorporated advanced security maneuvers to shield Trump during public events.
In a bid to enhance Trump’s protection further, Congressman Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), a close ally of the former president, has pushed for Trump’s campaign to be allowed access to government planes that are equipped with anti-threat systems. Waltz specifically advocated for the use of the Boeing C-17 or C-32, aircraft that are traditionally used by the vice president and senior members of the U.S. Cabinet. Retrofitting Trump’s personal aircraft with similar protective capabilities has also been considered, though the feasibility of such a plan is questionable given the rapidly approaching 2024 election.
Despite claims from the Trump campaign that their requests have been met with inaction, Secret Service officials have maintained that Trump is already receiving comprehensive protection. The Secret Service has implemented temporary flight restrictions over Trump’s properties and during his travel, ensuring that airspace remains secure during his public appearances. In addition, Trump’s security detail has access to sophisticated technology designed to detect and neutralize threats, including unmanned aerial surveillance systems.
The Pentagon has also played a role in bolstering Trump’s security, although defense officials have raised concerns about potential legal limitations on providing military support for domestic purposes. The use of military resources for protecting candidates, particularly in an election year, has been scrutinized under the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of the U.S. military for law enforcement functions within the country.
Nevertheless, in August, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved a DHS request for increased military support to the Secret Service for all presidential and vice-presidential candidates. This assistance includes the deployment of explosive ordnance disposal units, canine teams, and transportation aid. The Pentagon’s support is coordinated through U.S. Northern Command, which provides similar capabilities during major political conventions and other high-profile events.
A defense official told that Trump is receiving the same level of protection as President Biden, a standard protocol for all major presidential candidates. According to the official, Trump should not expect more security resources beyond what is already being provided unless there is a drastic escalation in the level of threat.
While the Trump campaign continues to push for additional security assets, logistical and legal hurdles remain. Expanding military involvement in Trump’s protection could run afoul of federal laws that govern the separation between military and civilian functions. Providing military-grade equipment and personnel for domestic security purposes has been a sensitive issue in the past, especially when it comes to former presidents who no longer hold public office but continue to wield significant influence.
The Secret Service and the Pentagon are navigating these complexities while ensuring that Trump, like all presidential candidates, is adequately protected. According to sources within both agencies, the current level of protection is consistent with the heightened security environment surrounding the 2024 election.
However, the Trump campaign remains unsatisfied, arguing that the nature of the threats against the former president—both domestic and international—warrants extraordinary measures. The campaign’s requests for more advanced security assets, including the use of special operations forces and military-grade aircraft, reflect a growing concern about Trump’s vulnerability on the campaign trail.
As Trump continues his bid for the White House, the issue of his security will remain a critical concern for both his campaign and federal authorities. With multiple assassination attempts, persistent threats from foreign actors, and the high visibility of his campaign events, ensuring Trump’s safety is a top priority for the Secret Service and the Pentagon.
While the Trump campaign seeks additional military resources, the legal and logistical complexities surrounding such requests have made it difficult to implement sweeping changes. For now, Trump is receiving the highest levels of protection possible within the framework of current laws, but the ongoing threats may continue to raise questions about the balance between security needs and legal limitations in the months leading up to the election.
