During the criminal trials of former President Donald Trump, a contentious new bill known as the DISGRACED Act has emerged. If enacted, this legislation would directly affect Donald Trump, who is currently dealing with multiple criminal indictments.

It proposes to cease Secret Service protection for individuals upon conviction of state or local felonies. Legal figure Alan Dershowitz has aired significant concerns over this potential shift in policy, which could primarily affect Trump.

Introduced by Representative Bennie Thompson last Friday, the DISGRACED Act is a legislative initiative seeking to amend how Secret Service protection is allocated, Newsweek reported.

This move comes at a critical juncture as Trump began facing his historic trial early this week, marking him as the first former U.S. president to do so. The trial revolves around charges related to false business record submissions linked to hush money payments.

Trump's Legal Troubles and the Initiation of Criminal Trials

In March 2023, Trump was indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for his alleged role in falsifying business records concerning payments made to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star, during the 2016 presidential campaign. The payments were supposedly for keeping quiet about her previous affair with Trump, an allegation he denies.

The inception of these trials places the former president in a uniquely precarious position, not just legally but also regarding his security. Trump has consistently denounced the indictments as politically motivated, asserting his innocence by pleading not guilty.

Thompson pinpoints Trump as a likely subject to be impacted by the DISGRACED Act. This legislation, currently backed by eight Democratic representatives, stipulates that the loss of Secret Service protection would apply only to those convicted of offenses punishable by at least one year of imprisonment.

The Role of Secret Service and Historical Context

The United States Secret Service, an agency whose duties include protecting national leaders, saw its mission expand significantly after the 1968 assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

Interestingly, the conversation around protection extends to another Kennedy—Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently voiced frustrations over the denial of Secret Service protection for his independent presidential campaign, labeling the rejections as "politically motivated."

The revision or removal of Secret Service protection in specific circumstances is not addressed in current laws, an oversight that the DISGRACED Act seeks to rectify.

Dershowitz's opposition to the bill is vocal, emphasizing the critical security risks it might pose. He argues, "That's ridiculous, that means they want him killed because he's a target. We live in an age where everybody is in danger," highlighting the potential peril Trump would face without the protection.

Legal Perspectives and Reactions to the DISGRACED Act

"Look, Bobby Kennedy ought to be getting Secret Service protection, but certainly Donald Trump needs to get Secret Service protection," Dershowitz continued. His remarks reflect a broader concern about ensuring the safety of figures under significant public and legal scrutiny.

Furthermore, Dershowitz expressed skepticism about the possibility of incarceration for Trump, suggesting that the presiding judge might not pursue such an extreme measure.

"The judge [Juan Merchan] is going to bluff, fine, and threat, but he's not going to throw Donald Trump in jail," he opined, adding, "That would be a guaranteed victory...I don't think it's going to happen."

A spokesperson from Thompson's office highlighted a core aspect of the legislation, stating, "Nobody should have special treatment, and that happens to include the former president."

This underscores the DISGRACED Act's intended neutrality and fairness, aligning with the principles that no individual should be above the law or receive preferential security measures post-conviction.

Future Implications of the DISGRACED Act

The DISGRACED Act proposes a fundamental change to how Secret Service protection is administered post-conviction to ensure legal and ethical consistency.

Its implications are deeply felt, particularly in the context of Donald Trump’s ongoing legal battles and the substantial security needs he may continue to have. With the ongoing legislative and public debate, this Act's outcome will be closely watched as it might redefine not only the scope of security details but the very essence of accountability in American politics.