In a move that appears to target former President Donald Trump, Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson of Mississippi has proposed legislation that would revoke Secret Service protection from individuals convicted of a felony.
This proposal follows the recent conviction of Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in New York, a charge typically classified as a misdemeanor in the state.
The proposed legislation, HR 8081, is formally titled the "Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable Former Protectees Act." If passed, it would amend Title 18 of the US Code Section 3056(a) to stipulate that Secret Service protection would be withdrawn from protectees if they are convicted of a federal or state offense punishable by at least one year of imprisonment.
Thompson, who previously chaired the January 6 Committee investigating Trump's role in the Capitol riot following the 2020 election, made his intentions clear in a statement following Trump's conviction. "Todays verdict confirms what we have always known: Donald Trump is a criminal who thinks nothing of breaking the law, or our Constitution, to get what he wants. No one, especially an ex-President, is above the law," he said.
However, Trump's conviction has been viewed by many as a politically motivated process. Democratic Representative Dean Phillips even suggested that Trump should be pardoned by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
HR 8081 has garnered support from eight other Democratic representatives, including Troy Carter of Louisiana, Barbara Lee of California, Frederica Wilson of Florida, Yvette Clarke of New York, Bonnie Coleman of New Jersey, Jasmine Crockett of Texas, Joyce Beatty of Ohio, and Steve Cohen of Tennessee. The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it is unlikely to proceed under GOP leadership.
In a press release, Thompson clarified that the proposed measure would apply to former President Trump, but also to all Secret Service protectees convicted and sentenced under felony charges. This includes Hunter Biden, son of President Biden, who is currently facing criminal allegations. If passed, the bill would revoke his Secret Service protection if he is convicted of a felony.
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