Secrets Of The Secret Service: The History And ... May 2026

: After the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901, Congress informally requested the Secret Service take over presidential security.

: President Abraham Lincoln signed the legislation creating the agency on the very morning of his assassination. Ironically, the man who founded the agency was not its first protectee.

The United States Secret Service (USSS) is often visualized as a phalanx of stone-faced agents in dark suits and earpieces, the final line of defense for the Commander in Chief. Yet, behind this modern image lies a complex legacy that began not with a bullet, but with a bogus bill. Today, the agency stands at a critical juncture, balancing a storied past against an increasingly scrutinized future. The Original Mission: Fighting Fraud, Not Fire Secrets of the Secret Service: The History and ...

Contrary to popular belief, the Secret Service was not created to protect presidents. Established on , its primary goal was to save the American economy from collapse.

: Originally a bureau within the Department of the Treasury , agents focused on raiding counterfeit coin operations and investigating financial fraud. The Shift to Protection : After the assassination of President William McKinley

: Over the century, protection grew to include the President-elect (1908), the immediate family (1917), and eventually former presidents and visiting world leaders. 150+ Years of History - Secret Service

: Full-time responsibility was assumed in 1902, starting with just two agents assigned to the White House Detail. The United States Secret Service (USSS) is often

The agency’s protective mandate was born out of tragedy. For decades, presidents were protected by unofficial watchmen or local police.