House Democrats introduced a bill that would remove Secret Service protection for individuals convicted of federal or state felonies carrying a minimum one-year prison sentence.
The bill, called the “Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable (DISGRACED) Former Protectees Act,” is seen as directly targeting former President Trump as he faces over 90 felony charges that could result in prison time.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Bennie Thompson, argued current law does not consider how Secret Service protection of a president could interfere with a prison sentence.
“Unfortunately, current law doesn’t anticipate how Secret Service protection would impact the felony prison sentence of a protectee—even a former President,” Thompson stated.
“It is regrettable that it has come to this, but this previously unthought-of scenario could become our reality.”
Trump is facing an “unprecedented 91 felony charges in federal and state courts.” This has “created a new exigency that Congress must address to ensure Secret Service protection does not interfere with the criminal judicial process and the administration of justice,” a fact sheet read.
The proposal aims to ensure protective status does not translate to special treatment and that convicted individuals serve their required time.
It would prevent conflicting authorities if an incarcerated protectee has Secret Service guards.
“Therefore, it is necessary for us to be prepared and update the law so the American people can be assured that protective status does not translate into special treatment—and that those who are sentenced to prison will indeed serve the time required of them,” Thompson said.
“This bill would remove the potential for conflicting lines of authority within prisons and allow judges to weigh the sentencing of individuals without having to factor in the logistical concerns of convicts with Secret Service protection,” the document added.
Critics noted that jailing Trump could spark widespread civil unrest across cities, given his passionate base.
“I think that if [Trump] does go into this hole, if that were to happen, first of all, I think you would probably see civil unrest across the country, certainly in some cities,” CNN political analyst Mark Preston said.
CNN Legal Analyst Warns Throwing Trump in Jail Will Lead to "Civil Unrest"
"I think the whole world is watching this hoax. You got a DA that’s out of control. You have a judge who is highly conflicted. The whole thing is a mess."
A CNN panel broadly agreed that Donald Trump… pic.twitter.com/PDsKMkKI1w
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) April 19, 2024
