Trump urges immediate Secret Service protection for Robert F. Kennedy Jr

Former US President Donald Trump called for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to receive Secret Service protection on Monday, following an assassination attempt on Trump earlier this month.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the need for Kennedy to be safeguarded. “In light of what is going on in the world today, I believe it is imperative that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. receive Secret Service protection — immediately,” Trump wrote. “Given the history of the Kennedy Family, this is the obvious right thing to do!”

Kennedy, who has long sought Secret Service protection, has cited his family’s history of political violence as a key reason for his request. His father, former Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and his uncle, former President John F. Kennedy, were both assassinated. Kennedy’s previous request for protection was denied last year.

Currently, the Secret Service is authorized to protect major presidential and vice presidential candidates, as well as their spouses, within 120 days of a general election. The Homeland Security secretary, in consultation with an advisory committee of congressional leaders, determines which candidates qualify as “major.” Factors include whether a candidate is polling at 20% or more of the Real Clear Politics National Average for 30 consecutive days.

As of Monday, Kennedy’s national polling averages are significantly below the threshold for automatic protection. Real Clear Politics shows Kennedy at 13%, while The Hill’s Decision Desk HQ reports 8%. In comparison, Trump is polling at 42.8% and President Joe Biden at 39%.

The recent attack on Trump has heightened concerns about security among public officials. In response, there has been a growing bipartisan push for Kennedy to receive Secret Service protection, reflecting broader anxieties about political violence and candidate safety.