Do the Children of Former Presidents Get a Secret Service Detail?

Yes, the children of former presidents continue to receive Secret Service protection after the president leaves office. This protection typically extends until the child turns 16 years old, as outlined by the Former President Protection Act of 2012. However, there are instances where this protection might be extended voluntarily, and in some cases, it might be extended for longer periods.

Duration of Protection

Originally, Secret Service protection for children of former presidents ended at 15 years of age. However, the Former Presidents Protection Act of 2012, signed into law by President Barack Obama on January 10, 2013, extended this age limit to 16. This legal amendment ensures that all children of former presidents, regardless of their birth order or the duration of their parents' presidency, receive protection until they are 16.

Notable exceptions are cases where the former president or their adult children voluntarily extend this protection. For example, Donald Trump extended his adult children’s protection for six months after he left office, reflecting a voluntary extension that is within the organization's discretion.

Voluntary Nature of Protection

While the former president's family members are subject to this protection by law, the assignment is ultimately voluntary. The children can refuse the protection if they so choose. Most former presidents' children do utilize some form of Secret Service protection, typically during public appearances or when traveling. However, not all former presidents' children receive this protection. Richard Nixon, for instance, did not provide secret service protection to his children post-presidency, nor did Gerald Ford.

Security Considerations

The Secret Service's primary concern is the protection of individuals who may still pose a security risk or who are at potential risk due to their association with the former president. Dick Cheney, for example, still receives Secret Service protection authorized by both Obama and Trump due to the ongoing death threats he receives more than a decade after leaving office.

The protection of family members is not a primary objective of the Secret Service. They guard individuals who have significant national security implications, ensuring the President (or Vice President) is not compromised by blackmail or other threats. The protection of family members serves to protect the public figure they are associated with. The Vice President is protected primarily to ensure an immediate replacement is ready if the President is unable to perform their duties. The children of former presidents do not pose the same national security risk as the former president themselves.

Conclusion

In summary, the children of former U.S. presidents are legally entitled to Secret Service protection until they turn 16. This protection is voluntary and can be extended if the former president or their family requests it. The Secret Service maintains a delicate balance between protecting public figures and ensuring the safety of the nation's leadership.