The recent election of a new President and Vice President of the United States marks the beginning of another transition period at the White House. In the weeks leading up to January’s Presidential Inauguration, numerous preparations will be made to ensure a smooth changeover of administrations. One critical component of this transition is ensuring the security of both the incoming and outgoing executive leadership. Transitioning this critical protection apparatus involves not only a great deal of planning and preparation but also coordination between the various organizations responsible for ensuring the security of the President of the United States.
Protecting the Incoming President
The U.S. Secret Service has been planning and preparing for this upcoming presidential transition since the re-election of President Barack Obama in 2012. Both President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence are already familiar with Secret Service protocols, having been protectees of the Secret Service since November 2015 and July 2016 respectively. Notably, as authorized in Title 18, USC 3056, the President-elect and Vice President-elect may not decline Secret Service protection.
While the agency does not discuss the status of protection for specific individuals, under the law, the Secret Service is also authorized to provide protection for the immediate family members of the President-elect and Vice President-elect, including current spouses and children. Of particular importance, given the age of President-elect Trump’s youngest child, is that the Secret Service has extensive experience protecting school-aged First Children, including John F. Kennedy Junior, Amy Carter, Chelsea Clinton, Barbara and Jenna Bush (both in college), and Sasha and Malia Obama.
Interagency Cooperation
The Secret Service is just one part of the larger Presidential security apparatus and thus collaborates with additional organizations throughout the Presidential transition. During the transition, the Secret Service works with partners in the U.S Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Military, and a host of other agencies to ensure a safe and successful process.
In this particular case, the Secret Service is also working closely with the New York City Police Department to place extra security assets around Trump Tower—the current residence of the President-elect and his family as well as the base of operations for his transition team. Security measures include temporary flight restrictions over midtown Manhattan, the construction of jersey barriers, and a visible police presence. Whenever possible, the Secret Service takes steps to lessen the impact of the increased security on the surrounding community, without reducing the highest level of protection. The agency— along with the NYPD in this case—also communicates with members of the community to keep them informed of these security measures.
Protection for Life
In addition to taking steps to protect the incoming President and Vice President, the Secret Service is also responsible for ensuring the protection of the current executive leadership, both until and following the inauguration. In January 2013, President Obama signed a bill re-instating lifetime Secret Service protection for all living former presidents and their spouses. In 1997, Congress had passed a bill limiting Lifetime Secret Service protection to Presidents who had served prior to January 1, 1997; Presidents serving after that date were limited to ten years of protection after leaving office. The change in law means President Obama and his wife Michelle will maintain Secret Service protection for the rest of their lives. Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill will also receive protection for a limited period of time after leaving office.
The U.S. Secret Service has been planning the budget and personnel assignments for President Obama’s post-Presidency protection for the last two years.
A Seamless Transition
Ultimately, the Secret Service is responsible for assuring that—from a security and Presidential support perspective—the transition between administrations is seamless. During this time, the protection of the current President and Vice President, as well as the President and Vice President-elect, remains the highest priority of the U.S. Secret Service.
