Congressman Thompson proposes ‘DISGRACED’ bill to strip secret service protection from convicted ex-presidents
In a bold move that has ignited intense debate across political circles, Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson has introduced a groundbreaking bill aimed at denying Secret Service protection to any former executive convicted of a felony.
The proposal, named the “Denying Infinite Security and Government Resources Allocated toward Convicted and Extremely Dishonorable (DISGRACED) Former Protectees Act,” targets the looming possibility of former President Donald Trump facing incarceration and seeks to address potential complications associated with providing security to convicted leaders.
The bill’s primary objective is to prevent Secret Service agents from being stationed within the confines of a prison where a former president may serve time. Congressman Thompson’s proposal underscores the broader issue of whether taxpayers should foot the bill for protecting a disgraced and criminally convicted ex-president.
Explaining the rationale behind the bill, Thompson highlighted the inadequacies of existing laws in handling scenarios involving the incarceration of protected individuals. “Unfortunately, current law doesn’t anticipate how Secret Service protection would impact the felony prison sentence of a protectee — even a former President,” remarked Thompson, stressing the need to update legislation to ensure that protective status does not equate to special treatment for convicted individuals.
Thompson’s office elaborated on the bill’s implications, emphasizing its potential to streamline judicial processes by removing conflicting lines of authority within correctional facilities. If enacted, the legislation would empower judges to determine sentences without logistical concerns arising from the presence of Secret Service protection for the convicted.
The proposal has sparked polarized reactions, particularly among supporters of former President Trump, who view the bill as a politically motivated attack. The prospect of stripping Secret Service protection from a former president has raised questions about the ethical and security ramifications of such a measure.
Nevertheless, Thompson remains resolute in his stance that taxpayer resources should not be allocated to safeguarding individuals convicted of serious offenses, including treason. The “DISGRACED” bill represents a pivotal development in the ongoing discourse surrounding presidential privileges and the accountability of public figures post-tenure.