The image went viral worldwide: Trump, fist raised beneath the star-spangled banner, escorted by his security detail. Men in dark suits and sunglasses, representing an agency whose enigmatic name might mislead many about its true mission: The United States Secret Service (USSS).
It is one of the oldest federal agencies in charge of law enforcement in the United States. In fact, it was established in July 1865, shortly after the end of the Civil War.
With over 8,300 employees in 2024, it is mainly recognized for its role in protecting public figures, although its original responsibilities were quite different.
Fighting Financial Crimes
The Secret Service’s initial mission was to fight currency counterfeiting which was a major issue at the time of its establishment, with nearly a third of the currency supply being counterfeit, according to an article published by Time in 2015.
Its responsibilities were subsequently expanded to address other forms of fraud. Today, the Secret Service’s mandate extends to tackling a wide array of financial crimes.
It currently encompasses credit card fraud, computer scams, document counterfeiting, and other offenses that undermine the financial integrity of the United States. The evolution of technology has led the agency to develop specialized expertise in cybersecurity and financial forensics.
The Duty to Protect
Its most prominent task related to protection emerged in 1901 following the assassination of the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley. In response, Congress tasked the Secret Service with ensuring the president’s security.
Today, this mission has been expanded to include the Vice President, former Presidents, visiting foreign heads of state (to the US), as well as the security of presidential candidates and major national events. The effectiveness of this protection relies on a sophisticated range of strategies, advanced technologies, and rigorous training.
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Behind the scenes, Secret Service agents conduct reconnaissance missions, establish security perimeters, and coordinate with local and international agencies to ensure seamless protection.
John F. Kennedy’s historic assassination in 1963 underscored the pivotal importance of this mission, leading to strengthened security measures around American leaders.
Recruiting agents for the United States Secret Service is a thorough process. Candidates must be U.S. citizens aged 21 to 37, hold a college degree or relevant experience, and have a clean criminal record.
The process includes an online application, written and physical tests, a medical examination, a verbal interview, and thorough background checks. Successful candidates undergo months of intensive training covering protection techniques, criminal investigations, and firearm handling before being assigned to specific positions, sometimes based on their initial skills.
The Transition Journey
The Secret Service which was initially part of the Department of Treasury due to its initial mission, was later on transferred to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003 as part of post-9/11 government reorganization.
This move aimed to strengthen coordination in national security efforts by further integrating the functions of protection and fighting financial fraud.
Despite this transition, the agency continues to play a key role in protecting the country’s financial interests. It collaborates with various national and international agencies to track financial criminals and ensure the security of economic transactions.
Challenges
However, the history of the Secret Service has been marred by several scandals. In 2012, an incident occurred during President Obama’s visit to Colombia, where agents were accused of hiring prostitutes in Cartagena. This incident raised questions about the conduct and professionalism of the agents.
In 2014, another scandal occurred when a former US soldier, suffering from mental disorders, managed to enter the White House grounds with a knife, exposing flaws in security protocols.
The attempted assassination targeting Donald Trump once again casts a spotlight on the federal agency. Witnesses had informed on-site media that they had reported the presence of an armed man on the roof to security services, who allegedly failed to react.
As a result, a House of Representatives committee is scheduled to hold hearings with the current Secret Service director, Kimberly Cheatle, beginning on July 22nd. Other officials from the federal agency may also be called to testify, while security measures are expected to be significantly bolstered for the rest of the campaign.
