Internet divided as Donald Trump joins growing calls for RFK Jr to get Secret Service protection

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WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump joined the chorus of voices demanding Secret Service protection for independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr.

This call to action comes just two days after the former president was the target of an assassination attempt on July 13.

Donald Trump says RFK Jr requires protection given the history of the Kennedy family

In his Truth Social post on Monday, July 15, Trump wrote, “In light of what is going on in the world today, I believe it is imperative that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. receive Secret Service protection — immediately."

Emphasizing the need for Kennedy Jr's protection, he added, “Given the history of the Kennedy Family, this is the obvious right thing to do!”

RFK Jr's previous request for Secret Service protection was denied

Trump's call to action aligns with increasing calls for Kennedy to receive the Secret Service protection, a request he has consistently made.

However, the independent presidential candidate stated that his official request for protection from the Secret Service was denied in 2023, according to The Hill.

The anti-vaccine activist sought protection arguing that his family history puts him at an elevated risk, referencing the assassinations of his father, former Attorney General Robert Kennedy, and his uncle, former President John F Kennedy.

Criteria for Secret Service protection

The Secret Service is authorized for the protection of major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses which is provided within 120 days of a general presidential election.

The determination of who qualifies as a "major" candidate is made by the Homeland Security secretary, in consultation with an advisory committee comprising the House and Senate leadership. 

According to the Secret Service, among the factors the DHS secretary considers is “whether the candidate is an independent or third-party candidate for President polling at 20% or more of the Real Clear Politics National Average for 30 consecutive days.”

Nationally, Kennedy is polling at 13 percent, trailing President Joe Biden's 39 percent and Trump's 42.8 percent, as per the Real Clear Politics.

Internet divided as Donald Trump calls for RFK Jr's protection

Although Trump's assassination attempt by 20-year-old Pennsylvania man Thomas Crook has led to heightened fears and concerns among public officials about their personal safety, netizens gave a mixed reaction to the former president calling for Secret Service protection for Kennedy Jr.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "Not a RFK fan... at all, but I can absolutely see someone attempting to assassinate him given the unfortunate record of his other family members. So yeah, give him Secret Service," while another user wrote, "Why? It didn't help Trump to much ? They have enough money to be paying for better security!"

"Having the third candidate protected and heard is the right thing to do, for the sake of true civilization and democracy!" a netizen commented while another user tweeted, "No one gives a crap about him. He's a damn Kennedy. He's got the cash to do it himself."

"Long overdue. The establishment wantss something bad to happen to their opponents though," a netizen tweeted.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.