Donald Trump and Ben Carson Authorized for Secret Service Protection

— -- Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ben Carson will soon be protected by the agency that protects President Obama.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has authorized United States Secret Service protection for the two GOP candidates, according to a statement released today by the Department of Homeland Security.

"As prescribed by statute, authorization for Secret Service protection for presidential candidates is determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security after consultation with a congressional advisory committee composed of the Speaker of the House, the House Minority Leader, the Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, and an additional member selected by the Committee," the statement read.

Trump and Ben Carson first requested protection from the Secret Service in October.

Candidates who are frontrunners typically request protection around this time of year.