By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
On Friday, Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS), a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee and former chairman of the January 6 Select Committee, introduced a bill aimed at former President Donald Trump. This legislation, if passed, would revoke Secret Service protection for any former president convicted and sentenced to prison. The proposal was first revealed through a post on X by the House Homeland Security Committee Democrats.
In a formal statement, Thompson expressed concern over the current law’s inadequacy in addressing how Secret Service protection should be managed for convicted felons, including former presidents. He emphasized the need for legislative updates to ensure that no individual receives special treatment due to their protective status, particularly those sentenced to serve time in prison.
JUST IN: Congressman @BennieGThompson introduced legislation to ensure no Secret Service protection for convicted felons sentenced to prison.
READ MORE HERE: https://t.co/pwSYtd5sVN pic.twitter.com/1N65BHk5yQ
— House Homeland Security Committee Democrats (@HomelandDems) April 19, 2024
The bill, officially named the Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable (DISGRACED) Former Protectees Act, specifies that Secret Service protection will terminate upon sentencing of a convicted felon, ensuring the individual serves their full prison term without special privileges.
Thompson’s proposal also aims to simplify judicial procedures by removing potential conflicts within prison systems concerning convicts under Secret Service protection, as outlined in the bill’s fact sheet. This change would allow judges to focus solely on the legal aspects of sentencing without the logistical complexities introduced by federal protection services.
Though the bill does not mention Donald Trump by name, the fact sheet clarifies that the legislation arises in response to Trump’s unique legal situation, marked by 91 felony charges in federal and state courts. The implication is that such a high-profile figure could unduly influence the criminal justice process through continued Secret Service protection.
This legislative move has sparked controversy, highlighted by Byron York, Chief Political Correspondent for the Washington Examiner. York suggested on X that the removal of Secret Service protection could potentially endanger Trump’s safety, hinting at an ulterior motive behind the bill.
The context for this bill includes ongoing legal challenges for Trump, who is currently on trial for issues related to hush money payments allegedly made during the 2016 presidential campaign. The proceedings have been fraught with challenges, including the dismissal of numerous potential jurors for bias, further complicating the former president’s legal battles.