Ah, the mysteries of the Secret Service. As the U.S. presidential elections approach, have you wondered who is authorized protection by the U.S. Secret Service?
The agency was originally created in 1865 to enforce counterfeiting laws, because after the Civil War up to half the currency in circulation was believed to be counterfeit.
After the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901, protection was added to the mission of the Secret Service. Today, the Secret Service's mission includes protection and investigations into crimes against the financial infrastructure of the United States.
So who is the Secret Service authorized to protect?
- The president, the vice president, and their immediate families
- Former presidents, their spouses, except when the spouse re-marries, and children of former presidents until age 16
- Visiting foreign dignitaries
- Other individuals as designated per Executive Order of the President
- National Special Security Events, when designated as such by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
As the elections approach, do any of the candidates get protection?
Yes, protection is given to major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses, within 120 days of a general presidential election. And of course to the president-elect and vice president-elect and their families.
How long do former presidents receive Secret Service protection after they leave office?
In 1965, Congress authorized the president and his/her spouse protection for a lifetime unless they decline. In 1997, Congress enacted legislation that limits Secret Service protection to former presidents to 10 years after leaving office.
Trivia Question: Who will be the last president to receive lifetime protection?
Answer to Trivia Question: President Bill Clinton