Judicial Watch sues for Trump family Secret Service records, citing public interest in transparency.
At a Glance
- Judicial Watch files FOIA lawsuit against DHS for Trump’s Secret Service protection records
- Lawsuit follows reports of denied requests for additional security at Trump events
- Watchdog group seeks transparency on public spending for former officials’ security
- Multiple FOIA requests related to Trump’s security have been denied or ignored
Judicial Watch Takes Legal Action for Transparency
Conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch has initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, seeking records related to Secret Service protection requests made by former President Donald Trump. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit aims to uncover documents and communication between the Secret Service, DHS, and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding increased protective resources for Trump.
The legal action follows reports that the Biden administration’s Secret Service denied Trump’s requests for additional protection, particularly in light of a July 13 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Judicial Watch argues that public access to this information is crucial to ensure appropriate use of public funds for security purposes.
BREAKING: Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit against the DHS for all Secret Service/other records regarding potential increased protective services to @realDonaldTrump's security detail prior to the attempt on his life at his campaign rally (1/3). https://t.co/ocjdLyaLoP
— Judicial Watch ⚖️ (@JudicialWatch) September 3, 2024
Controversy Surrounding Security Denials
The lawsuit comes amid conflicting statements from government officials. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas initially denied claims that increased protection requests were denied. However, Guglielmi later admitted that the Secret Service had indeed denied Trump’s request for additional security but claimed they only learned new information after the July 13 incident.
“The Biden-Harris Secret Service lied about denying President Trump increased protection requests and is now trying to cover up that deadly scandal,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said in a statement shared with Just The News. “The Biden-Harris administration has yet to release one record about the Trump assassination attempt under FOIA – which is why Judicial Watch is now in federal court.”
Reports suggest that Secret Service agents had requested additional security measures, including magnetometers, more agents, snipers, and specialty teams. The Washington Post reported that the Secret Service had denied requests for additional security at Trump events for two years prior to the July 13 assassination attempt.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
This legal battle is part of a larger effort by Judicial Watch to investigate what they perceive as potential misconduct and cover-ups within government agencies. The organization has over 25 FOIA and open records requests pending related to the shooting of Trump, emphasizing their commitment to uncovering the truth about the incident and its aftermath.
The lawsuit and ongoing investigations raise important questions about the balance between security needs and transparency in government operations. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen what information will be revealed about the decision-making processes surrounding the protection of former President Trump and his family.
