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The US Secret Service was originally created to prevent counterfeiting, but after the assassination of President McKinley in 1901, their role expanded to include protecting the lives of presidents and other government officials. Some individuals, such as the current president and vice president, always receive protection, while others may only receive it if there are threats or dangers. Former presidents and their families are only entitled to protection for ten years after their service, but the current president can extend it. The Secret Service also protects foreign heads of state and high-profile visiting dignitaries. Some individuals are allowed to refuse protection.
The original intent of the US Secret Service had little to do with protection. At first, the agency’s sole intent was to investigate and prevent counterfeiting of US dollars. In 1901, however, President William McKinley was assassinated and one result was the assignment of Secret Service agents to protect the lives and welfare of successive presidents. Since then, the protection has been extended to other government officials, some well-known politicians and visiting dignitaries, former presidents and their families, at least for some time.
There are some people who always receive protection, including the current president of the United States, the vice president, and sometimes other high-ranking officials who may succeed the president. For example, the Speaker of the House may, in some circumstances, be entitled to Secret Service protection, especially if a situation arose in which the Vice President or the President was in danger. Wives of the president and vice president and their children under the age of 16 are also eligible for protection.
At one time, former presidents were given Secret Service protection for life. This changed in 1996 and now former presidents and first ladies are only entitled to this protection for ten years after their service in the country. However, the protection can continue, especially if ordered by the current president. Essentially, the president has the authority to extend protection to anyone or any event, such as a meeting of high-ranking officials, that could pose potential danger. Additionally, sitting presidents can extend it to all of their children, not just those under the age of 16.
Vice presidents typically do not have Secret Service protection after their terms expire, unless threats or dangers exist. If the vice president runs for president, however, he or she — and all other major presidential primary and general election candidates — is likely to receive protection. The timeliness with which this is provided may partly depend on the profile of the candidate and any early threats, which are not so uncommon, to a candidate’s life.
Another way the Secret Service works is to protect foreign heads of state or high-profile visiting dignitaries. Visits can be arranged subject to guarantees of protection, although heads of state can also bring their own version of the secret service with them. When a number of foreign dignitaries meet with the president, other Secret Service agents are usually brought in to create the safest possible environment for all concerned.
Some people are allowed to refuse protection if they don’t want it. Although President Clinton has lifetime protection and is the last president to receive it, unless laws change, he could refuse the services of Secret Service members. Typically, a sitting president or vice president cannot refuse protection due to the high security of these positions.
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