The U.S. Secret Service is reportedly ending its protection for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after he suspended his presidential campaign and endorsed former President Donald Trump.
Kennedy, who had previously been running as an Independent candidate after leaving the Democratic Party, had been under Secret Service protection following an assassination attempt on Trump.
According to law enforcement sources cited by the New York Post, Kennedy’s protection is being withdrawn because he is no longer actively running for president, although he remains on the ballot in several states.
The decision aligns with the Secret Service’s standard practice, which typically extends protection to current presidents, vice presidents, their immediate families, former presidents, former first ladies, children of former presidents, visiting heads of state, and leading presidential candidates.
Kennedy announced his campaign suspension on Friday, stating that he was pausing but not entirely ending his White House bid.
The Independent joined Trump on stage at a rally last week hosted by Turning Point Action in Glendale, Arizona, where he shared his support for the Trump campaign.
Prior to joining Trump on stage, Kennedy held a press briefing to announce his decision and criticize the Democratic Party. He described the party as one of “war, censorship, corruption, Big Pharma, Big Tech, and Big Money,” signaling a significant shift in his political alignment.
Earlier this month, several Secret Service personnel were placed on leave following the numerous security failures of Trump’s July 13 rally.
One agent placed on leave was in Trump’s detail.
Four other members of the Secret Service’s Pittsburgh field office, including the special agent in charge, were placed on administrative leave for six weeks.
The five agents are still employed but are not to be in the field, according to Fox News.
