There has been much speculation and questions around whether ex-presidents continue to receive Secret Service protection after leaving office. The quick answer is yes, all living former presidents and their spouses are entitled to lifetime Secret Service protection under the Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012. However, the details on who qualifies, what services are provided, how it is funded, and the history of this protection is more complex. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the Secret Service protection afforded to former US presidents.
Do all ex-presidents get Secret Service protection for life?
Yes, all living former presidents and their spouses are entitled to lifetime Secret Service protection under the Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012. This includes:
- Jimmy Carter
- Bill Clinton
- George W. Bush
- Barack Obama
In addition, the act provides protection to the children of former presidents until age 16. After age 16, the Homeland Security Secretary can opt to continue protection based on need.
What services do ex-presidents receive from the Secret Service?
The Secret Service provides robust protective services to former presidents and their families including:
- 24/7 security detail
- Secure transportation
- High level threat assessments and intelligence briefings
- Advance work and coordination for travel and events
- Permanent security systems at personal residences
In essence, former presidents receive the same level of protection as when they were in office to ensure their safety and security after leaving the public stage.
How is Secret Service protection for ex-presidents funded?
The costs associated with providing Secret Service detail to former presidents are funded through the budget of the Secret Service as part of the Department of Homeland Security. In 2020, it was estimated that about $700 million was spent on security for ex-presidents and their spouses.
The budgets for ex-president security are not made public, but estimates indicate that each former president requires $500,000 – $1 million per year for their protective detail. Costs tend to be higher in the year immediately following a presidency.
When did ex-presidents start receiving lifetime protection?
Lifetime Secret Service protection was not always afforded to former presidents. Here is a brief overview of how ex-president security has evolved:
- Prior to 1965 – No protections were provided to former presidents after leaving office
- 1965 – Congress authorized Secret Service protection for former presidents, at the discretion of the current president, for up to 6 months after leaving office
- 1967 – Protection was expanded to provide lifetime coverage to former presidents
- 1997 – Spouses of former presidents were granted protection for 10 years after leaving office or in the case of their death
- 2012 – Spouses were granted lifetime protection under the Former Presidents Protection Act
Which presidents receive Secret Service code names?
All current and former presidents, first ladies, and their children receive Secret Service code names while under protection. These code names provide an extra layer of security and anonymity.
Here are some examples of Secret Service code names used for presidents and first ladies:
| President | Code Name |
|---|---|
| John F. Kennedy | Lancer |
| Richard Nixon | Searchlight |
| Gerald Ford | Passkey |
| Jimmy Carter | Deacon |
| Ronald Reagan | Rawhide |
| George H.W. Bush | Timberwolf |
| Bill Clinton | Eagle |
| George W. Bush | Trailblazer |
| Barack Obama | Renegade |
| Donald Trump | Mogul |
| First Lady | Code Name |
|---|---|
| Jackie Kennedy | Lace |
| Lady Bird Johnson | Victoria |
| Pat Nixon | Starlight |
| Betty Ford | Pinafore |
| Rosalynn Carter | Dancer |
| Nancy Reagan | Rainbow |
| Barbara Bush | Snowbank |
| Hillary Clinton | Evergreen |
| Laura Bush | Tempo |
| Michelle Obama | Renaissance |
| Melania Trump | Muse |
Can an ex-president decline Secret Service protection?
Yes, former presidents can choose to decline Secret Service protection, but it does not happen often. Only one living president has ever waived their lifetime Secret Service detail:
- Richard Nixon – Declined protection 10 years after leaving office in 1985. He cited cost savings as the reason for giving up his detail.
All other living ex-presidents have continued to accept the lifetime protective services.
What happens when a former president passes away?
When a protected former president passes away, the Secret Service continues to provide security services for their surviving family members:
- Widows of former presidents receive lifetime protection
- Children receive protection until age 16
Security details, systems, and transportation are maintained for an appropriate time after the passing of a former president to ensure the safety of their family.
Does the public support lifetime Secret Service protection?
Public opinion polls show mixed views on whether lifetime Secret Service details should be provided for ex-presidents:
- A 2012 Government Accountability Office (GAO) survey found 29% supported lifetime coverage, 66% preferred it be capped at 10 years.
- A 2013 Rasmussen Reports poll showed 61% favored lifetime protection.
- A 2021 YouGov poll indicated 49% supported lifetime protection, 28% preferred a 10 year cap.
Views tend to split along party lines with Republicans more often supporting lifetime protection compared to Democrats. But overall, polls indicate the public is divided on the issue.
Should limits be placed on Secret Service for ex-presidents?
There are reasonable arguments on both sides of whether lifetime Secret Service details should continue indefinitely for all former presidents.
Arguments Supporting Limits
- Saves taxpayer money – Estimated $2 million+ per year per former president
- Higher risks immediately after office, lessen over time
- Most earn substantial incomes after presidency to pay for private security
- Widows have resources for private security
Arguments Against Limits
- Unpredictable threats – Risks persist after presidency
- Part of compensation package for serving the country
- Rescinding risks political backlash
- Burden of cost is reasonable for national security
There are merits on both sides of instituting term limits versus maintaining lifetime coverage for ex-presidents. Ultimately Congress would need to amend the Former Presidents Protection Act to alter the current system.
Does providing Secret Service for life set a troubling precedent?
Some scholars argue that granting lifetime Secret Service details to former presidents sets a problematic precedent that contributes to the “imperial presidency”. Here are some concerns raised:
- Elevates the president to a special protected class
- Signals the role deserves lifelong privileges and stature
- Undermines the concept of equal citizenship under democracy
- Sends concerning signals about political entitlement
However, supporters suggest ex-presidents remain potential targets after leaving office and deserve special protections given their service to the nation in one of its highest offices.
Conclusion
In summary, all living former presidents and first ladies do receive Secret Service protection for life under current law. This lifetime coverage is provided for by the Former Presidents Protection Act and funded through the Secret Service budget. Prior to 1965, ex-presidents did not receive any protection and it has evolved over time to the lifetime coverage we see today. While public opinion is split on whether lifetime protection should continue indefinitely, Congress would need to amend the law to limit Secret Service for ex-presidents. This complex issue touches on security risks, costs, public perceptions, and the symbolic role of the presidency. There are reasonable arguments on both sides of placing limits on coverage versus maintaining this current benefit afforded to those who serve their country as president.