Can You Stop the Secret Service from Protecting You?

The Secret Service's protective mission is legally mandated for certain individuals, primarily the President, Vice President, and their immediate families, as well as visiting foreign dignitaries. However, individuals in these protected roles may not refuse Secret Service protection once appointed.

According to How to be President: What to Do and Where to Go Once You're in Office, former presidents can request to continue being protected by the Secret Service for up to ten years after leaving office if they so desire. This legal provision reflects the public trust and commitment to the safety of those who have held the highest office in the nation. However, the current president is not allowed to refuse this protection, as it would be counterproductive to their duties and essential for public safety.

Historical Precedents

Notably, Harry Truman was the first and so far the only President to decline Secret Service protection. Truman made the decision about a year after he resigned from office. However, it is crucial to understand that there are specific guidelines surrounding the protection of former presidents and their families. These guidelines indicate that stopping the protection is indeed possible but only if the former president requests it.

After Richard Nixon's resignation, he decided he no longer wanted the Secret Service protection he was entitled to. Importantly, he was no longer the President at that time, and thus, the norms for former presidents applied. The Secret Service has a dual mandate: to combat counterfeiting and to protect designated individuals including the President, Vice President, and their immediate families, as well as former presidents and their families under the age of 16.

Mandates and Guidelines

By federal statute, the President and Vice President cannot refuse Secret Service protection. Their primary duty is to ensure their own survival in accordance with the will of the people who elected them. This is a solemn obligation and would be irrational to evade given the unique resources and expertise of the Secret Service.

The Secret Service is also responsible for protecting major presidential and vice-presidential candidates, their spouses, and visiting foreign heads of state and government. By custom, the Secret Service provides additional protection to the Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Homeland Security, and other individuals designated by the President. Recently, President Donald Trump signed an order mandating Secret Service protection for his adult children for three months after leaving office, reflecting a change in the norms regarding post-presidency protection.

Protective Duties of the Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor

Beyond the President and Vice President, there are other roles that may receive Secret Service protection. For instance, the White House Chief of Staff and the National Security Advisor are often included. However, it's important to note that the Speaker of the House does not have a Secret Service detail; their protection is the responsibility of the Capitol Police.

Given these detailed stipulations and the significant resources at the Secret Service's disposal, it is clear that refusing Secret Service protection is impractical and unwise, especially for current and former presidents. The Secret Service exists not only to prevent counterfeiting but to safeguard the individuals and interests essential to the nation's stability and security.