Increasing security threats targeting candidates for the presidency on down have sparked calls for former President Donald Trump and others to boost their security.
And the Federal Election Commission, which has had to approve past requests to use contributions for security expenses , is about to change its rules to let campaigns spend on security as they see fit.
“As we confront the complexities of modern political landscapes, securing candidates against potential threats is not just a matter of personal safety but a foundational element of preserving the integrity and vitality of our democratic institutions,” Commissioner Trey Trainor told Secrets.
“The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump vividly underscored the dangers candidates can face,” he said.
Trainor said that candidate security is an issue that supporters are keen on and he and others on the FEC said the answer is that donors help to pay for added security.
“Recently, reports from the Secret Service have indicated credible threats from foreign actors targeting Trump, raising alarms among citizens about what actions can be taken to prevent such incidents. The answer lies, in part, with the electorate itself,” he said.
“By contributing to a candidate’s campaign, citizens enable them to augment their security measures beyond what government agencies provide. This empowerment not only enhances the safety of candidates but also reinforces democratic participation by ensuring that individuals can engage in the electoral process without fear for their safety or that of their families,” Trainor reasoned.
FEC Chairman Sean Cooksey said the agency plans to take up a new security ruling as early as this month. Under a plan before the FEC, candidates will have the freedom to use donations for security technology and personnel.
“In light of the ongoing threats to public officials and candidates, I expect the commission to expedite its pending rulemaking to allow campaigns greater latitude to spend on security,” Cooksey told Secrets, adding, “Candidate security has been one of my top priorities as chairman of the Federal Election Commission.”
In the past, the agency has generally approved of candidate security spending out of campaign coffers and the new rule would essentially grant a blanket approval in advance.
“Fundamentally, this approach aligns with constitutional principles of individual liberty and freedom of expression. The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld that financial contributions to candidates are a form of political speech protected under the First Amendment. Therefore, Americans who are concerned about the efficacy or independence of government agencies tasked with protecting presidential candidates have a direct recourse — they can exercise their First Amendment rights by contributing financially to the candidates of their choice,” Trainor said.
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“Enabling candidates to finance their security through campaign funds represents a proactive and necessary step towards safeguarding democratic processes,” Trainor said.
And in countering expected detractors of the FEC vote, Trainor said, “Critics may argue about the allocation of campaign funds towards security, questioning whether such expenses are justified or could be better spent elsewhere. However, the unique risks associated with running for high-profile political office necessitate special considerations. The ability to use campaign funds for security measures is not a privilege but a fundamental aspect of ensuring fair and secure elections where all candidates can participate without undue risks.”
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