Yes, Secret Service agents typically stay with ex-presidents for the remainder of their lives, providing continuous security.
The protection offered to former U.S. presidents has evolved over time, ensuring their safety and the dignity of the office they once held. This comprehensive security detail extends beyond their tenure in the White House, adapting to changing threats and the unique needs of former commanders-in-chief.
Evolution of Presidential Protection
For many years, former presidents and their families received lifelong Secret Service protection. However, a change in law in 1994 limited this protection.
The Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012
This changed with the passage of the Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012. This significant legislation reversed the previous law that had limited Secret Service protection for former presidents and their families to a period of 10 years if they served after 1997.
The 2012 Act reinstated lifelong protection for all former presidents. Specifically, it ensures that Former President George W. Bush and all future former presidents will receive Secret Service protection for the rest of their lives. This decision underscores the ongoing need to safeguard individuals who have held the nation's highest office, recognizing the unique security risks they continue to face.
The table below summarizes the key changes in Secret Service protection for former presidents:
| Legislation/Period | Secret Service Protection Term |
|---|---|
| Pre-1994 Law | Lifelong protection for former presidents and their spouses. |
| 1994 Law (for presidents serving after 1997) | Limited protection to 10 years after leaving office. |
| Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012 (current) | Lifelong protection for former President George W. Bush and all future former presidents. |
Who Else Receives Protection?
Beyond the former president themselves, the Secret Service's protective mission often extends to:
- Spouses: Former first ladies typically receive lifelong protection unless they remarry.
- Children: Protection for children generally extends until they are 16 years old.
- Designated Family Members: In some cases, other immediate family members may receive temporary protection based on specific threats or circumstances, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
The details of the protection, including the number of agents and the specific security measures, are not publicly disclosed to maintain operational security. This ongoing commitment to safeguarding former leaders is a core function of the United States Secret Service.
