Why Does the Secret Service Protect a President's Adult Children? (2024)

Why Does the Secret Service Protect a President's Adult Children? (1)

When outgoing President Donald J. Trump became the first president in U.S. history to be impeached twice by the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 13, 2021, his future and those of his adult children became instantly darker and more uncertain.

The United States Secret Service provides 24/7 protection for the wives and kids of the U.S. president and vice president, including their adult children, and the Trump offspring have been no exception. The Secret Service has, during the four years of Trump's tenure, spent enormous amounts of money providing protection to Trump's children. In October 2020, The Washington Post reported that the Trump Organization, on behalf of Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., had charged the federal government at least $238,000 for Secret Service lodgings when they and their families visited Trump properties.

Advertisem*nt

The adult Trump children have caught plenty of flak during their father's administration for hauling their Secret Service details all over the world at the U.S. taxpayer's expense.

Secret Service officers have trailed Don Jr. and Eric all over the world, including on trips to celebrate the openings of new Trump-branded hotels and golf courses, and to check on other Trump Organization projects and potential investments — U.S. taxpayers have covered the bodyguards' airfare, hotel rooms and meals. The Secret Service won't release its travel expenses, but the hotel tab on a 2017 trip for Eric Trump to Uruguay alone was estimated at nearly $100,000, according to The Washington Post.

Advertisem*nt

What Does the Law Say?

According to federal law, the Secret Service is authorized to protect the sitting U.S. president and vice president (or the next-in-line for the presidency), their immediate families, and all former U.S. presidents and their spouses, as well as their children under age 16. While in office, neither the president nor the vice president can decline Secret Service protection, but their spouses and adult children can.

Almost all presidential families have accepted full Secret Service protection for as long as the law allows. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush even asked for extensions to cover their college-age children for a period after they left office, as did Barack Obama for his daughters. The few exceptions are Ronald Reagan's youngest son, Ron, who declined Secret Service protection during his father's second term, and Richard and Pat Nixon, who canceled their lifetime protection in 1985, to save the government money. They hired their own security detail.

Advertisem*nt

In 1994, Congress limited protection of future presidents to just 10 years after leaving office, as a cost-cutting measure. In 2013, it reinstated lifetime protection, citing concerns over terrorism. Not every congressperson was in favor. Some thought, given the lucrative opportunities open to former presidents, they should pay for the long-term security themselves.

Despite the cost, the Trump family is doing nothing unusual by accepting Secret Service protection at home and while traveling abroad. In fact, there is a legitimate reason for extending that protection.

"If Eric Trump is traveling and let's say, God forbid, gets attacked and hurt, killed — imagine the impact, the psychological impact, that would have on the president," Jonathan Wackrow told NPR news. He is a former Secret Service member who used to protect Barack Obama's family. "So by protecting the children, you're by default protecting the sanctity of the office of the presidency."

Advertisem*nt

Should Presidents Have to Pay for Their Family's Security?

However, never in the history of the American presidency has the commander-in-chief been a former international business mogul. And never has amultibillion-dollar global brandbeen so closely tied to the American president.

Brendan Fischer is an attorney with the Campaign Legal Center and an expert of government transparency and ethics. He believes that the Trump family shouldn't use public funds to help earn profits for a private business.

Advertisem*nt

"You want the president's kids to be safe," says Fischer, "but there are legitimate questions about how much taxpayers should be paying so the Trump family can travel around the world and advance their own personal financial interests.

There's also the mixed message sent when Donald Jr. and Eric Trump travel to make international business deals flanked by serious-looking dudes with earpieces and lapel pins.

"It could appear as though the trip is somehow sanctioned by the U.S. government or that the kids are there acting as emissaries of the president," says Fischer. "The fact that the Secret Service is present and providing security detail further contributes to the appearance that the Trump Organization is intertwined with the presidency of the United States."

By the time Trump leaves office on Jan. 20, 2021, the overall cost of Secret Service protection for the Trump family is likely to have been millions more than it was for Obama's family over four years, since in addition to the sons' trips abroad, Trump spent almost every weekend in Palm Beach, Florida at his estate Mar-a-Lago. Some think that Donald Jr. and Eric Trump should have been made to pay for their own security detail, both to lessen the financial burden to U.S. taxpayers and also to signal a deeper commitment to separating business from politics. It might have been a good idea, but legally it didn't have to happen.

Now That's Interesting

In addition to its bodyguard duties, the Secret Service also polices the White House complex and the vice president's residence, and enforces the nation's counterfeiting and wire fraud laws, which helps explain why the agency has 6,647 employees and an annual budget of more than $2 billion.

Advertisem*nt

Originally Published: Jan 14, 2021

Secret Service Agents FAQ

Who gets Secret Service protection?

The U.S. Secret Service provides 24/7 protection for U.S. presidents and vice-presidents as well as their spouses and children, including adult children. The agency also provides protection to visiting heads of state or government, former presidents and their families and other distinguished foreign visitors.

What are the responsibilities of the Secret Service?

The responsibilities of the Secret Service include protective and investigative missions. Apart from providing security for important government figures, it protects buildings, investigates crimes that relate to identity theft, counterfeit and financial fraud and performs undercover work.

How long do ex ex-presidents get Secret Service protection?

Under the original Former Presidents Act, former presidents and their families were entitled to lifetime protection. In 1994, this period was reduced to 10 years, but President Barack Obama enacted legislation reversing this limit and reinstating lifetime protection.

How many Secret Service agents do ex-presidents get?

The number of Secret Service agents for the protection of former presidents varies. A president who has only recently retired generally gets several agents assigned to them. But as a former president gets out of the spotlight more and time passes, the number of agents decreases until they are left with just one.

Who is a Secret Service agent?

A Secret Service agent is a member of the Secret Service Federal Law Enforcement Agency who performs duties related to investigation and protection after receiving extensive training.

Why Does the Secret Service Protect a President's Adult Children? (2024)

FAQs

Does Secret Service protect presidents kids? ›

Former President George W. Bush and future former presidents will receive Secret Service protection for the rest of their lives. Children of former presidents up to the age of 16 are assured protection under the new law.

Why does the Secret Service protect the president? ›

The U.S. Secret Service was originally established by the Department of the Treasury in 1865 to prevent counterfeiting. They later assumed full-time responsibility for protecting the president during the Theodore Roosevelt administration, prompted by the assassination of his predecessor, William McKinley.

Does Secret Service protect family members? ›

In 1965, Congress authorized the Secret Service (Public Law 89-186) to protect a former president and his/her spouse during their lifetime, unless they decline protection.

Do ex presidents get Secret Service if they go to jail? ›

Yes. Barring an act of Congress, the responsibility of the Secret Service to protect a former president or first lady would not disappear because that person had been convicted of a crime.

Can a president deny Secret Service protection? ›

By law, only the sitting president, vice president, president-elect and vice president-elect cannot decline protection. Everyone else on the list, including former presidents are able to decline protection, if they choose to do so.

How many Secret Service agents have died protecting the president? ›

His epitaph reads, "White House Policeman: Who Gave His Life in Defense of the President of the United States During an Assassination Attempt at the Blair House, Washington, D.C." To this day, Coffelt is one of only four Secret Service members to take a bullet while defending the President, the others being Donald ...

Who is the Secret Service supposed to protect? ›

The Secret Service is authorized by 18 U.S.C. § 3056(a) to protect: The president, vice president (or the next individual in the order of succession, should the vice presidency be vacant), president-elect and vice president-elect. The immediate families of the above individuals.

Who is protected by the Secret Service? ›

We ensure the safety of the president, the vice president, their families, the White House, the vice president's residence, visiting foreign heads of state, former United States presidents and their spouses, and events of national significance.

Why do Secret Service wear sunglasses? ›

Secret Service agents sometimes wear sunglasses to keep the sun out of their eyes, so they can increase their ability to see what people in the crowd are doing.

Can you be a woman in the Secret Service? ›

Women working as special agents, Uniformed Division officers, and Administrative, Professional and Technical (APT) personnel at the Secret Service fulfill our agency's public safety and security mission with integrity and strength. Secret Service prioritizes recruiting women candidates. We're hiring!

Does the Secret Service have an age limit? ›

Must be at least 21 years of age at time of application and younger than 37 at the time of receipt of a conditional offer of employment to continue in the application process.

How many bodyguards does the president have? ›

Present status. In 2003, the President's Bodyguard had an establishment of 7 officers, 15 NCOs, and 140 enlisted men, for a total strength of 180. Throughout its history, the Bodyguard has varied in size from 50 men, when first raised, to 1929 men in 1845. However, it was usually around squadron size, or about 130 men.

Does the Secret Service report to the president? ›

The Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency that is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
...
Director of the United States Secret Service
Reports toSecretary of Homeland Security
SeatWashington, D.C.
AppointerPresident of the United States
Term lengthNo fixed term
8 more rows

Are all Secret Service ex military? ›

20.5% of Secret Service employees are veterans from all services and a variety of military occupational specialties - from entry level positions to the director of the agency. Your service to the nation proves you have the character we seek in all applicants and the technical and leadership experience to excel.

What is Donald Trump's net worth? ›

The net worth of Donald Trump is not publicly known. Various news organizations have attempted to estimate his wealth. Forbes estimates it at $2.5 billion as of April 12, 2023, with Trump making much higher claims.

Which bedroom does the president sleep in? ›

The President's Bedroom is a second floor bedroom in the White House. The bedroom makes up the White House master suite along with the adjacent sitting room and the smaller dressing room, all located in the southwest corner.

Do Secret Service agents get days off? ›

Annual leave earned at the rate of 13 to 26 days per year, based on length of employment. Prior federal civilian or military service is credited, as authorized. Sick leave accumulated at the rate of 13 days per year without limit.

Which president had a headache with the Secret Service? ›

Presidency of Bill Clinton

During his brother's presidential campaign and subsequent administration, Clinton was given the codename "Headache" by the Secret Service due to his controversial behavior.

Can you have tattoos in the Secret Service? ›

The Secret Service prohibits special agents from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand, and fingers (any area below the wrist bone). A tattoo of a wedding band is permitted.

How much does Secret Service who protect the president make? ›

Average United States Secret Service Special Agent yearly pay in the United States is approximately $174,331, which is 82% above the national average.

Who was the first female Secret Service agent? ›

Special Agent Mary Ann Gordon joined the U.S. Secret Service in 1974 among the first ten female special agents ever hired by the agency. Not too long after, she helped steer the course of history.

Why do Secret Service agents talk into their hands? ›

Connected to the special earpiece is a small microphone that rests just inside the agent's sleeve, allowing him or her to easily communicate simply by speaking into the microphone next to the agent's wrist.

How long do ex presidents families get Secret Service? ›

All living former presidents and their spouses after Dwight D. Eisenhower are now entitled to receive lifetime Secret Service protection. Their children are entitled to protection "until they become 16 years of age".

What is the highest rank in the Secret Service? ›

Special Agent in Charge: The highest ranking criminal investigator in each region is the Special Agent in Charge (SAC or SAIC). The SAC is the equivalent to the Chief of Police and runs all the sub-offices in his area.

What weapons do Secret Service carry? ›

The actual United States Secret Service has the following weapons in their current arsenal:
  • SIG-Sauer P229 pistol: (. ...
  • Remington Model 870 shotgun: (12 gauge, polymer stock and grips, 00 buckshot/steel slugs) Agents and officers are required to qualify on this weapon quarterly.

Does a former vice president get Secret Service protection? ›

87–829 authorized the protection of the Vice President, without requiring his request therefor, and any officer next in the order of succession to the office of President, the Vice-President-elect, and of a former president, at his request, for a reasonable period after he leaves office.

Are Secret Service agents undercover? ›

Protect buildings or act as security at events that require a national level of protection. Investigate crimes that include identity theft, counterfeit and financial fraud. Investigate computer hacking attempts that take place on national telecommunication devices as well as banking infrastructure. Perform undercover ...

Why are bodyguards always in black? ›

To avoid glares from sunlight or direct flashes

It helps the security personnel blink less and keep eyes open for longer period.

Does the Secret Service protect celebrities? ›

Stuart: Force Protection Agency provides protective services for a wide range of clients, from the world's most notable superstars to corporate executives and government representatives. We also provide private investigation services for a vast variety of clientele.

What color is Secret Service? ›

It is a horizontal flag bicolor with equal bands of yellow and blue, and with a white equilateral triangle at the hoist; in the center of the triangle is a United States Secret Service badge dating back from the early-to-mid 1870s.

What disqualifies you from joining the Secret Service? ›

The ultimate disqualifier for a position with the secret service (in terms of drugs, not skills or experience) is if an applicant used or purchased MDMA, cocaine, other hard drugs while holding a security clearance.

Can Secret Service agents make arrests? ›

First, Secret Service agents don't just have a right to bear arms—they're actually supplied with them (source). Agents can execute warrants legally issued under United States law, and can arrest people without warrants if the alleged perpetrator commits an offense against the United States in front of the agent.

Can the Secret Service detain you? ›

An agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Secret Service can arrest you: For a public offense that is committed in the presence of the agent, or that is attempted in the presence of the agent.

Who is the youngest Secret Service agent ever? ›

Kennedy in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963.
...
Rufus Wayne Youngblood, Jr.
Rufus Youngblood
Alma materGeorgia Institute of Technology
OccupationUnited States Secret Service agent
4 more rows

How hard is it to get into the Secret Service? ›

Getting a job with the U.S. Secret Service is far from easy, as the selection process is extremely competitive. Candidates must have either a college degree or a combination of college and law enforcement work experience, with a background in criminal investigation.

What is the pass rate for the Secret Service polygraph? ›

For instance, the Secret Service reportedly has a polygraph failure rate of 35 percent, while the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has a 36 percent failure rate. Even more alarming is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which has a 65 percent failure rate.

Does the president chief of staff get Secret Service protection? ›

The Secret Service provides protection to the White House Chief of Staff, in addition to the president and vice president, among others. The White House Chief of Staff also has the highest level of security clearance, called Yankee White, which entitles them to all classified national security information.

How many bodyguards does Kim Kardashian have? ›

Inside, Kardashian was flanked by three large security guards, while many more milled around. “Twenty-five bodyguards were hired from her side,” says a source. “They're off-duty cops.

Do 4 star generals have bodyguards? ›

Many have chefs who deserve their own four-star restaurants. The generals' personal staff include drivers, security guards, secretaries and people to shine their shoes and iron their uniforms. When traveling, they can be accompanied by police motorcades that stretch for blocks.

What happens to Secret Service when president dies? ›

The Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012, reverses a previous law that limited Secret Service protection for former presidents and their families to 10 years if they served after 1997. Former President George W. Bush and future former presidents will receive Secret Service protection for the rest of their lives.

Who protected the president before Secret Service? ›

Well, before the Secret Service, it was sometimes the Army, sometimes the local police. But lots of times, it was no one. Tom Jefferson walked to his own inauguration, unguarded. Martin Van Buren walked to church on Sundays, alone.

Can a former President refuse Secret Service protection? ›

In 1965, Congress authorized the Secret Service (Public Law 89-186) to protect a former president and his/her spouse during their lifetime, unless they decline protection.

What branch runs the Secret Service? ›

The Uniformed Division officers assigned to the White House Branch provide protection and law enforcement functions for the White House, Eisenhower Executive Office Building, New Executive Office Building, the Treasury Building and grounds to include the Treasury Annex, and other Presidential offices located in the ...

Who is the richest man in the United States? ›

Net worth Details
S.NameNet worth in 2023
1Jeff Bezos$195.9 billion
2Elon Musk$146.5 billion
3Bill Gates$135.8 billion
4Larry Ellison$119.5 billion
6 more rows
4 days ago

Who is the richest person in the world 2023? ›

The 2023 Forbes List of the World's Billionaires features a new name at the top. French luxury goods magnate Bernard Arnault has officially surpassed Tesla CEO Elon Musk to take the title of world's richest billionaire.

Who is the richest man in the world? ›

Who is the richest man in the world? As of May 1, 2023, the richest man in the world is Bernard Arnault, the CEO and chairman of LVMH of France; he's worth nearly $237 billion. He moved into the number one spot after Elon Musk's fortune fell in late 2022 as shares of electric carmaker Tesla fell.

Do all Secret Service agents protect the president? ›

The Secret Service is unique among federal law enforcement agencies because not only do its agents provide protection for the president and vice president of the United States and their families, former presidents, presidential candidates and visiting heads of state and heads of government to the United States, but ...

Does the Speaker of the House get Secret Service protection? ›

“The speaker of the house is not a Secret Service protectee,” said a Secret Service agency spokesperson.

How many times can you run for president if you lose? ›

The Twenty-second Amendment (Amendment XXII) to the United States Constitution limits the number of times a person is eligible for election to the office of President of the United States to two, and sets additional eligibility conditions for presidents who succeed to the unexpired terms of their predecessors.

How much do President bodyguards make? ›

How much does a President Bodyguard make? As of May 12, 2023, the average annual pay for a President Bodyguard in the United States is $178,659 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $85.89 an hour.

Who does the Secret Service protect besides the president? ›

The Secret Service is authorized by 18 U.S.C. § 3056(a) to protect: The president, vice president (or the next individual in the order of succession, should the vice presidency be vacant), president-elect and vice president-elect. The immediate families of the above individuals.

Who has more authority the Secret Service or the FBI? ›

One of the biggest differences between the two agencies is that the FBI has a larger scope for their investigations.

Does the Secret Service have female agents? ›

Women working as special agents, Uniformed Division officers, and Administrative, Professional and Technical (APT) personnel at the Secret Service fulfill our agency's public safety and security mission with integrity and strength. Secret Service prioritizes recruiting women candidates.

Who gets Secret Service for life? ›

All living former presidents and their spouses after Dwight D. Eisenhower are now entitled to receive lifetime Secret Service protection. Their children are entitled to protection "until they become 16 years of age".

Does the Secret Service have police powers? ›

89–218 authorized the Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, inspectors, and agents of the Secret Service to make arrests without warrant for offenses committed against the United States in their presence or for any felony cognizable under the laws of the United States if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the ...

Can a former President run for vice president? ›

No, a former president cannot become vice president.

Two laws prevent this from happening. The 22nd amendment to the Constitution states that a president cannot serve for longer than two terms. The 12th amendment states that an individual cannot run for the vice presidency if they are not eligible to be president.

What is the max amount of time someone can be President? ›

Passed by Congress in 1947, and ratified by the states on February 27, 1951, the Twenty-Second Amendment limits an elected president to two terms in office, a total of eight years. However, it is possible for an individual to serve up to ten years as president.

What are the 5 requirements to be President? ›

Constitutional requirements for presidential candidates
  • Be a natural-born citizen of the United States.
  • Be at least 35 years old.
  • Have been a resident of the United States for 14 years.
Apr 6, 2023

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Patricia Veum II

Last Updated:

Views: 5307

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Patricia Veum II

Birthday: 1994-12-16

Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

Phone: +6873952696715

Job: Principal Officer

Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.