RFK Jr. complained about lack of Secret Service protection, but few candidates receive it.
RFK Jr. complained about lack of Secret Service protection, but few candidates receive it.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Criticizes Biden Administration for Refusing Secret Service Protection
Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently expressed his disappointment with the Biden administration for denying his request for Secret Service protection. In a tweet, Kennedy mentioned that candidates for president have traditionally received Secret Service protection since the assassination of his father, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, in 1968. However, it is important to note that not all candidates are granted such protection.
Following the tragic assassination of Senator Kennedy, Congress extended Secret Service protection to major party presidential and vice presidential candidates and nominees. Despite the Secret Service’s initial efforts to provide protection to everyone, they soon realized that it was not feasible to protect every candidate and prominent political figure. Consequently, the agency established criteria to determine which candidates are eligible for protection.
These criteria, available online for the 2024 presidential election, include specific requirements that Kennedy has not met. While he has shown strong support in the polls, with double-digit numbers, Kennedy has not averaged a 15% or higher rating in the Real Clear Politics Average over the last 30 days. Therefore, according to the established criteria, he does not qualify to receive Secret Service protection.
Furthermore, the decision regarding Secret Service protection is not made solely by the Biden administration. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas collaborates with an advisory committee composed of top congressional leaders, including Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. As of now, there has been no response from the Department of Homeland Security on Kennedy’s specific request.
Additionally, it is worth noting that it is still early in the primary calendar for Kennedy to request such protection. Previous candidates, like Dr. Ben Carson and Donald Trump, made their requests in the fall of 2015. These requests were promptly approved. Therefore, Kennedy’s complaint overlooks these factors, as timing plays a role in determining when protection is granted.
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Although the Secret Service is primarily known for its role in protecting the president, the agency also provides security for major national events such as the Super Bowl and ensures the safety of foreign dignitaries during the United Nations General Assembly. With limited resources and personnel, the Secret Service faces constraints in providing protection to all eligible candidates. In fact, there have been instances where agents had to wait months to receive their overtime pay due to a federal pay cap.
Moreover, not all campaigns welcome Secret Service protection. In 2008, Senator John McCain’s campaign opted not to utilize Secret Service protection. While the protection offered by the Secret Service is incredibly valuable, it can also impact the nature of intimate campaigning during the early primary season. Supporters may encounter security screenings and long waits when attending campaign events, interrupting the personal connection between candidates and voters.
Kennedy’s request for Secret Service protection can be seen from two perspectives. Firstly, this protection is funded by taxpayers, whereas the specific security costs incurred by his campaign remain undisclosed. Secondly, the presence of Secret Service agents confers an aura of legitimacy, indicating that the candidate is considered a potential leader of the free world. This would be beneficial for Kennedy, particularly as he seeks to be taken seriously by his fellow Democrats despite criticisms of his past statements and alleged associations with controversial views.
In conclusion, Kennedy’s disappointment with the Biden administration’s refusal to grant him Secret Service protection stems from a misinterpretation of the criteria set forth by the agency. While candidates have historically received such protection, not all candidates meet the requirements outlined by the Secret Service. Additionally, the decision-making process involves collaboration between the Biden administration and congressional leaders. It is crucial to consider timing and logistical limitations faced by the Secret Service. Ultimately, the presence of Secret Service agents not only provides security but also impacts the nature of campaigning.
