Federal, state and local officials met Thursday in New Jersey to focus on strengthening protections for “public figures” and securing financial support for areas like Bedminster that are not accustomed to funding such efforts.
State Sen. Doug Steinhardt, R-Belvidere, convened the meeting in Bedminster, where Trump owns a golf club he frequently visits, and it was attended by town officials, Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (RN.J), law enforcement and other leaders.
Steinhardt, a former New Jersey Republican Party chairman who represents Trump's club, said the assassination attempt in neighboring Pennsylvania prompted all potential stakeholders to organize in this way.
“President Trump is a defender of our country and it is our duty to ensure his safety and the safety of all our nation's leaders,” Steinhardt said.
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In this file photo taken on Nov. 20, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump, left, waves to reporters as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie arrives at the clubhouse at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster, New Jersey. (Associated Press)
“The recent attacks are a stark reminder of the growing threats they face. Our communities cannot be allowed to bear the financial burden of these increased security measures alone.”
Speaking to Fox News Digital after the meeting, Steinhardt said he and other stakeholders had taken a “big step in the right direction.”
“[We] “We reaffirm that the financial burden of providing enhanced security when celebrities visit our town should not be placed on local taxpayers,” Steinhardt said.
“Going forward, I am optimistic that the Secret Service and the local community can strike the delicate balance necessary to protect leaders like President Trump during this time of heightened political uncertainty.”
Asked about the meeting, Keene's office pointed to a newly drafted bill he has written that would allow the Secret Service to reimburse the government when state or local resources are used to coordinate VIP protection.
After the Butler shooting, the department came under scrutiny for allegations that it did not work properly with Pennsylvania State Police and other agencies to prevent threats like those posed by gunman Thomas Crooks.
Bedminster Mayor Larry Jacobs said in a statement that he called Keene when the Secret Service requested town resources to help secure Trump's club.
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A view of the entrance to Trump National Golf Club (Drew Ungerer/Getty Images)
“The City of Bedminster has always acted proactively and responded to requests to ensure the safety of all townspeople, including the former president,” Jacobs said.
This rural community, located in the center of the state at the intersection of Interstates 78 and 287, wasn't used to making that kind of budget.
“In light of the July 13 assassination attempt, I fully appreciate the Secret Service's request, but this request could easily reach six figures and is too much of a burden for our small town,” Jacobs said, calling Keane's Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act the right solution.
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Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) greets Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump (right) during a campaign rally at Georgia State University in Atlanta on August 3, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Somerset County officials echoed similar sentiments in a statement shared with Keene.
Especially since New York state has pursued Trump in court, the former president appears to be frequenting the Bedminster club more than his namesake tower about an hour east.
This trend is likely to continue, so it remains paramount to ensure the Raritan Valley is properly protected and to provide local and state officials with the resources to do so, officials added.
