In response to recent assassination attempts and heightened security threats, Donald Trump’s campaign has intensified its requests for advanced protective measures, including military-grade aircraft and increased security assets at events across the U.S.
Trump’s team is seeking transport by military aircraft equipped with antimissile systems and other sophisticated security resources to protect the former president as he travels to campaign events in the lead-up to the election, sources told CNN.
According to reports, Trump’s campaign co-manager Susie Wiles reached out to White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients two weeks ago to request heightened security, including access to specialized aircraft and additional ground support at rallies.
The conversation, according to sources, led Zients to connect Wiles directly with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Secret Service leaders to expedite the process.
Biden has reportedly expressed support for these measures, jokingly noting that as long as Trump doesn’t request F-15s, the administration should fulfill his security needs.
The requests highlight the serious security concerns surrounding Trump as the election approaches. Since July, Trump has faced two attempted assassinations: one in Pennsylvania, where an attacker was neutralized, and another incident in Florida where a gunman set up a “sniper’s nest” near Trump’s golf course.
Additionally, U.S. authorities have informed Trump of an assassination threat from Iran, which has prompted the campaign to request more sophisticated protection.
The campaign has also asked for access to Camp David vehicles and drones with thermal monitoring to increase surveillance capabilities.
Additionally, they have requested ballistic glass to encase Trump at outdoor events in swing states, as well as additional support for local law enforcement officers who augment the Secret Service.
These resources are intended to counter potential threats as Trump campaigns in various high-risk areas.
According to sources, the Secret Service has implemented several adjustments, including temporary flight restrictions over Trump’s residence and while he travels.
Unmanned aerial vehicles, counter-surveillance systems, and other advanced technologies have been added to his security detail. Despite these measures, the campaign remains concerned and has expressed frustration over delays in fulfilling all of their requests.
As Trump’s security team adapts to these evolving threats, they have changed his travel routine and altered rally locations. The campaign has lost confidence in certain aspects of the Secret Service’s capabilities, although they remain supportive of Trump’s personal detail, many of whom have been with him since he left office.
For instance, Trump now sometimes travels on different planes to minimize predictability, staying at various properties rather than familiar ones.
The Secret Service maintains that it is providing Trump with the highest level of protection possible. Agency spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said they have increased their presence around Trump, often traveling with a counter-assault team.
He also confirmed that Trump’s detail includes advanced technological assets designed to counter diverse threats, ranging from ballistics to unmanned aerial systems.
The campaign has also requested an observer in command centers during events to monitor communications and stay in direct contact with law enforcement.
This would allow them to have real-time information on security risks as they develop. Trump’s team has stressed that these additional measures are essential given the increased threats he faces, with one source close to the campaign expressing frustration over the lack of immediate action on their requests.
Despite these challenges, the Secret Service continues to work with other federal agencies, including DHS and the Department of Defense, to provide as much support as possible within legal limitations.
Federal law restricts the use of military assets for domestic purposes, which may pose legal obstacles to some of the campaign’s requests.
While Trump’s security is currently being evaluated on a case-by-case basis, officials indicate that further accommodations may not be feasible under current law.
The campaign’s emphasis on extraordinary protective measures underscores the unique risks facing Trump in the final weeks of the election.
As threats continue to evolve, the campaign is likely to maintain its push for enhanced security, believing that these measures are critical to ensuring Trump’s safety and his ability to connect with supporters across the nation.
