RFK Jr. decries 'double standards' after panel votes to approve Secret Service for Nikki Haley

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Friday lamented what he insisted was a "double standard" after an advisory committee vote to approve Secret Service protection for Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley.

Haley confirmed earlier this month that she had requested Secret Service protection after receiving threats related to her campaign. An advisory committee consisting of senior congressional leaders has since voted to recommend she receive such protection, the Associated Press reported.

"A congressional advisory committee just voted in favor of granting Nikki Haley Secret Service protection. While I’m happy she’ll be protected and publicly supported her request, double standards abound," Kennedy posted on X. "My campaign first requested Secret Service protection in May 2023 with a 63 page declaration. We still have a current request pending. My request is the first time in 55 years a candidate has ever been denied. The Biden administration is the sole outlier to turn down a request for Secret Service coverage."

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas personally denied Kennedy's request for protection, records obtained by watchdog group Judicial Watch through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit revealed.

Kennedy, for his part, has emerged as the strongest of the major independent candidates in most polls, averaging 13.4% support in a five-way race with former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, Green Party candidate Jill Stein, and fellow independent Cornel West, according to RealClearPolitics.

He cited his polling support in arguing that "[t]he will of the people is being thwarted by blatant corruption from Secretary Mayorkas and the Biden Administration."

"Unfortunately for the establishment and those who skulk around in back rooms, I’m not going anywhere. Our movement is growing stronger and our coalition is building," he further declared. "I am more steadfast than ever about winning in November. If you give me a sword and some ground to stand on, I will give you your country back."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.