Marking the 160th anniversary of its inception, the United States Secret Service stands as a testament to the evolution of American national security. Initially set up on April 14, 1865, interestingly the same day President Abraham Lincoln fell to an assassin's bullet, the Secret Service was primarily focused on curtailing counterfeit currency rather than presidential protection. However, it was not intended to be a safeguard for the president—a mission it would adopt only later, as reported by a White House proclamation.
Destiny, wrapped in the ironies of history, placed the agency within the Department of the Treasury on July 5, 1865, where it began cutting down the rampant counterfeiting after the Civil War. A mission that would broaden in response to the changing threats of the time, expanding to protection after President William McKinley's assassination attempt in 1901. This mandate to shield the nation's leaders has since become a core aspect of the Secret Service's duties, as has safeguarding major candidates, visiting dignitaries, and National Special Security Events, according to the White House announcement.
Today, more than 8,000 men and women embody the rigor and dedication that the Secret Service demands, upholding the ideals of honor, vigilance, and exemplary service. These agents, put through grueling training processes, ensure that only the highest caliber individuals are assigned the charge of protecting high-profile figures and significant locations both domestically and internationally.
The agency's storied past includes the thwarting of assassination attempts on various Presidents, including the recently recalled attempts against President Donald Trump in 2024. In an official statement, Trump lauded these agents, declaring, "Even in moments of grave danger, these warriors stand firm, confronting threats with unshakable resolve, unmatched skill, and the quiet strength that defines the very best of American law enforcement." Their legacy, built on countless unheralded acts of courage, stands hidden behind publicized successes and moments. These contributions often go unrecognized, with agents ready to lay down their lives for the nation's welfare and leadership.
In a recent proclamation, President Trump called upon citizens to express their gratitude towards the Secret Service for its relentless efforts in maintaining the country's safety and sovereignty. July 5, 2025, was designated as the day to honor the agency's 160 years of service. "Their bravery," he stated, "stands as a powerful testament to the spirit of America, undaunted in the face of danger and resolute in the defense of liberty." The proclamation commemorates the unwavering duty and dedication of Secret Service personnel that has, time and again, stood between the nation's leaders and potential harm.
