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This #thursdaymorning we're taking a closer look at some of Trump's last-minute directives extending secret service protection to his family and members of his administration.
Can Biden reverse these directives?
(THREAD) https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/trump-extended-secret-service-protection-for-13-members-of-his-family-as-he-left-office/
Can Biden reverse these directives?
(THREAD) https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/trump-extended-secret-service-protection-for-13-members-of-his-family-as-he-left-office/
(2) To be clear, these sorts of extensions are not unprecedented, but presidents in the past such as Bush and Obama have only extended secret service protection to teenage and college-age children, not full-grown adults and their families. https://theweek.com/speedreads/962282/trump-reportedly-extended-24hour-secret-service-protection-4-adult-children
(3) The cost to taxpayers for 24-hour protection details for the next six months for such a large group will likely be enormous, especially given the family's lifestyle and extensive travel.
It's estimated theTrumps took 4,500 trips between 2017-2019. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2021/01/trump-family-secret-service-extension
It's estimated theTrumps took 4,500 trips between 2017-2019. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2021/01/trump-family-secret-service-extension
(4) Biden has spent the first 24 hours in office reversing the worst parts of Trump's legacy via executive orders, including many directives. Since Trump's act to extend secret service protection was a directive, couldn't it be just as easily reversed? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-signs-executive-orders-day-one/
(5) And the short answer is yes. But there are a few reasons that might surprise you about why we might not want to deny Trump and his family secret service protection for the next six months.
As much as it would be cost taxpayers, it also has benefits. https://www.vox.com/22240926/trump-perks-former-presidents-act-pension-secret-service-office-space-staff-impeachment
As much as it would be cost taxpayers, it also has benefits. https://www.vox.com/22240926/trump-perks-former-presidents-act-pension-secret-service-office-space-staff-impeachment
(6) It allows the government to keep a close eye on Trump and family, who still have access to national security information.
There are concerns about Trump's allegiance to Russia and other US adversaries and that he might seek to "sell" state secrets. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/trump-possible-security-risk/2020/11/09/f19c853e-229e-11eb-952e-0c475972cfc0_story.html
There are concerns about Trump's allegiance to Russia and other US adversaries and that he might seek to "sell" state secrets. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/trump-possible-security-risk/2020/11/09/f19c853e-229e-11eb-952e-0c475972cfc0_story.html
(7) And in terms of limiting Trump's access and cutting off his presidential benefits, that's more complicated than Twitter pundits make it sound.
Congress would actually have to pass a separate law to revoke Trump's lifetime secret service protection. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/politifact/2021/01/13/fact-checking-viral-post-impeachment-and-trumps-post-presidency-benefits/6654559002/
Congress would actually have to pass a separate law to revoke Trump's lifetime secret service protection. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/politifact/2021/01/13/fact-checking-viral-post-impeachment-and-trumps-post-presidency-benefits/6654559002/
(8) It's a bitter pill to swallow and one that comes at a terrible cost to taxpayers, but we may have to allow the kleptocracy a few more months of grifting to ensure the greater good.
I don't like it any more than you do. https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/14/secret-service-bathroom-ivanka-trump-jared-kushner/
I don't like it any more than you do. https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/14/secret-service-bathroom-ivanka-trump-jared-kushner/
(9) Contrary to what you've seen flying around social media, secret service protection would likely still be extended to Trump even if he lands in jail.
I know it sounds crazy, but there would be some protection afforded Trump even behind bars. https://www.businessinsider.com/secret-service-agent-protect-trump-jail-prison-state-federal-crimes-2021-1
I know it sounds crazy, but there would be some protection afforded Trump even behind bars. https://www.businessinsider.com/secret-service-agent-protect-trump-jail-prison-state-federal-crimes-2021-1
(10) Biden is busy working to sweep away the worst of the Trump presidency, but there are some things even he can't clean up.
Trump's likely to leave a bad taste in our mouths for a very very long time. https://www.cfr.org/article/donald-trumps-costly-legacy
Trump's likely to leave a bad taste in our mouths for a very very long time. https://www.cfr.org/article/donald-trumps-costly-legacy
(END) Thanks to @tmroy for the Thursday thread suggestions. Come back on Tuesday and we'll do this again.
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Like threads like this and want to keep them coming? You can support my work here:
http://paypal.me/kazweida http://patreon.com/kazweida
