In a recent interview, U.S. President Joe Biden commented on the request from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign for military protection, including the use of military aircraft and vehicles, as the presidential election countdown enters its final 20 days. Biden quipped, “As long as he doesn’t ask for F-15s, I’m fine with it.”
According to The New York Times, Trump’s campaign has reached out to White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain and acting Secret Service Director Ronald Lowry to request military protection. A representative from the Secret Service confirmed that Trump is currently under the highest level of protective security and acknowledged that Trump’s team has requested additional safeguards. The representative emphasized that the Secret Service will remain vigilant and adapt the security measures as threats evolve.
The New York Times also reported that Trump’s campaign informed government officials that a lack of adequate security has forced them to change venues, reschedule, or even cancel some campaign events.
CNN highlighted potential legal obstacles to Trump’s request for increased resources, citing limitations on domestic military operations imposed by the U.S. Constitution.
On the local time of October 11, when Biden was asked about Trump’s request regarding military aircraft for his campaign, he responded, “I’ll approve the request as long as he doesn’t ask for F-15s. Just kidding.” He added, “I’ve instructed the relevant departments to provide him with everything he needs as if he were the sitting president. If his needs fall within that category, then that’s not a problem.”
Since July, Trump has faced two assassination threats. On July 13, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump survived an assassination attempt when a 20-year-old, identified as Crooks, opened fire from a roof approximately 140 yards away, injuring Trump and resulting in one death and two severe injuries among the audience. On September 15, the FBI issued a statement about a “suspected assassination attempt” involving Trump in Florida.