U.S.

The Secret Service Might Have 2 Fewer People To Protect

The New York Times reports both Donald Trump Jr. and Kellyanne Conway are no longer receiving government protection.

The Secret Service Might Have 2 Fewer People To Protect
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The Secret Service is reportedly no longer protecting President Donald Trump's eldest son.

An unnamed senior administration official told The New York Times that Donald Trump Jr. decided to "forgo protection" because he wants more privacy. 

It's unknown if the Secret Service is still providing full protection for Trump Jr.'s wife Vanessa and their five children.

The Times also reported that counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway is no longer under government protection.

Conway's White House role doesn't automatically guarantee Secret Service protection, but agents began protecting her in January after "white substances" were sent to her in the mail.

The Secret Service does not confirm who it protects for safety reasons, so it would not comment on the Times' report.

Even so, protecting two fewer people could alleviate some of the strain on the agency's budget.

Protecting The First Family Is Getting Really Expensive
Protecting The First Family Is Getting Really Expensive

Protecting The First Family Is Getting Really Expensive

Congress is set to approve around $120 million in additional funds to cover the cost of protecting the Trump family.

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Back in August, USA Today reported over 1,000 Secret Service agents had hit their salary cap for the year. At that time, agents were protecting 42 people. In comparison, agents protected 31 people when Barack Obama was in office.

More than one-third of protectees under Trump are his immediate family members, which are granted automatic Secret Service protection unless they specifically decline it.

The Secret Service also provides full protection for the vice president and his immediate family. The agency provides temporary protection for visiting foreign officials; major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses; and events the U.S. Department of Homeland Security decide need additional security. Former U.S. presidents and their spouses receive Secret Service protection for life; their children are protected until they reach age 16.