The Trump campaign has urgently called upon the U.S. Secret Service to address what they describe as a “critical flaw” in the security planning for the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee.
The convention, set to take place from July 15-18, will draw over 50,000 attendees, including high-profile GOP figures. The Trump campaign’s main contention centers on the current security perimeter, which requires pedestrians to traverse Pere Marquette Park—a potential flashpoint as protesters plan to converge there.
In a letter to Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle, Todd Steggerda, counsel to the Republican National Committee, emphasized the urgency of extending the security perimeter by one block to the east.
This proposed adjustment aims to create a safer buffer zone between the convention facilities and the protest areas.
Despite multiple outreach efforts, Steggerda criticized the local Secret Service team’s unresponsiveness to their proposed changes, initially detailed in an April 26 letter.
The Trump campaign insists that the Secret Service has the authority to make this adjustment, countering claims that such changes are illegal.
The demand comes at a time of heightened political tension, with protests against the war in Gaza escalating nationwide.
Milwaukee officials, however, have not identified any security deficiencies and are collaborating with various agencies to ensure robust safety measures.
As the RNC approaches, the Trump campaign’s push for enhanced security underscores their commitment to balancing public safety with the protection of First Amendment rights, including the right to peaceful protest.
With less than two months remaining until the convention, the Trump campaign urges the Secret Service to take immediate action to rectify the perceived security shortcoming.
The proposed perimeter adjustment is seen as crucial to ensuring the safety and dignity of all attendees, journalists, and community members involved in the event.