**Trump Campaign Requests Additional Security Measures Amid Increased Threats**

Amid growing threats against former President Donald Trump, his campaign has sought enhanced security similar to that granted to current presidents. A source disclosed that late last month, Trump's campaign co-manager Susie Wiles contacted White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients to request military assets, including armored cars, flight protection, and temporary airspace restrictions.

Upon receiving the call, Zients connected Wiles with the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service, ensuring she had a direct line to leadership. Zients emphasized that President Joe Biden had already instructed the Secret Service to provide Trump with top-tier protection. A letter from Wiles to acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, reviewed by NBC News, reiterated several of these requests and argued that threats to Trump's safety have impeded his ability to campaign effectively.

Among other requests, Trump's campaign sought special operations forces for additional protection. However, a knowledgeable source clarified that the proposal for special operations forces focused on countering potential drone threats came from Secret Service officials, not the campaign. The campaign has declined to comment on this matter.

Recent months have seen two alleged assassination attempts on Trump. In July, a would-be attacker was killed at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Last month, a man armed with a firearm was spotted near Trump's golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, prompting a swift evacuation of the former president. Additionally, Trump was briefed by intelligence officials on assassination threats originating from Iran.

With the increasing threats, Trump’s campaign has adopted more evasive maneuvers and sought to be less predictable in their movements. Rep. Mike Waltz, a Trump ally, has requested that the campaign be allowed to use aircraft capable of detecting and deterring threats, like the Boeing C-17 or C-32, used by high-ranking officials. Retrofitting Trump's personal plane was suggested but deemed less feasible given the proximity of the upcoming election.

The Secret Service asserts they have already enhanced security measures since the attempted assassination in July. Measures include improved communications, resourcing, and protective operations. Other steps involve temporary flight restrictions over Trump's residence and travel, use of unmanned aerial vehicles, and advanced technology systems like counter unmanned aerial surveillance.

The Department of Defense has also been involved, offering teams to assist with explosive ordnance disposal, canine units, and airlift transportation. While the Trump campaign has claimed inaction on their additional requests, a defense official reiterated that the former president is receiving the same high level of protection as the current president and vice president. The Pentagon and Secret Service express concerns that providing even more assets could contravene federal laws limiting military use for domestic purposes.

In August, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved increased support for candidate protection, overseen by U.S. Northern Command. This assistance includes protecting against various threats and providing support for communications and transportation, akin to security measures for political conventions and major events.