Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump said if he were a Democrat, he would have Secret Service protection by now.
The outspoken frontrunner, who currently employs his own security detail, said the agency should have some liability due to his popularity.
“They’re in no rush because I’m a Republican. They don’t give a s–t,” the billionaire told The Hill Tuesday. Then-candidate Barack Obama was placed under protection in May 2007 while running for the Democratic nomination.
“Personally, I think if Obama were doing as well as me, he would’ve had Secret Service [earlier]. I have, by far, the biggest crowds,” he said.
Secret Service grants protection once a candidate submits an application to the Department of Homeland Security — which Trump has yet to do — and once it is approved by the DHS secretary and a Congressional advisory committee.
“If a request is received, this authorization is determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security after consultation with a congressional advisory committee which includes the Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader, and one additional member selected by the aforementioned committee,” DHS press secretary Marsha Catron said in a statement.
To be considered, the candidate must have officially announced, have some prominence in the polls, be actively campaigning in a minimum of 10 states, be seeking the nomination of qualified party, be able to match at least $100,000 in funds and have at least $10 million in contributions.
The reality-TV star has largely funded his own campaign, having received around $1.9 million in contributions as of October.
“You would think that they would want to be very proactive, but we have not heard from them.” he said.
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