Robert F Kennedy Jr. (RFK) knows he is a walking target for exposing nearly every angle of the establishment. Kennedy Jr.’s own father was assassinated in 1968, sparking Congress to enact a law that guarantees presidential candidates Secret Service protection. “Since the assassination of my father in 1968, candidates for president are provided Secret Service protection. But not me,” the candidate posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), receiving over 12 million views.
The Secret Service released who can apply for protection ahead of the 2024 US Presidential Election. 18 USC 3056: Powers, authorities, and duties of the United States Secret Service states:
“Major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates and, within 120 days of the general Presidential election, the spouses of such candidates. As used in this paragraph, the term “major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates” means those individuals identified as such by the Secretary of Homeland Security after consultation with an advisory committee consisting of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority leaders of the Senate, and one additional member selected by the other members of the committee.”
The new guidelines from the Secret Service say a president may receive protection up to one year prior to the general election, compared to 120 days, in extraordinary cases. Barak Obama was granted Secret Service protection well ahead of the election because he had “a realistic chance to become president” and faced “unique threats as a black man.”
The main reason issued is that RFK is not seen as a “major presidential candidate.” Biden received protection eight months prior to election day since they knew he was a shoo-in. Hillary Clinton already had protection during her run since she was a former First Lady. So, while, yes, it is a bit early, RFK is an exceptional case. He has had multiple family members assassinated or died in mysterious fashions. RFK said the typical pro forma protection request is answered within 14 days. It took 88 days and media publicity for the Biden Administration to respond to his request. So no, he wasn’t whining; he had to make his request public to receive an answer. RFK also said one of the leading protection firms in the world penned a 67-page report detailing the danger RFK currently faces. Government protection would not help RFK anyway.
Time will tell if the Biden Administration offers RFK protection closer to the election date. The problem becomes they do not see him or anyone as a major candidate or opponent. Biden is not even campaigning because he is certain he will win, despite being one of the least popular presidents in American history.