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

: Full-time responsibility was assumed in 1902, starting with just two agents assigned to the White House Detail.

The agency’s protective mandate was born out of tragedy. For decades, presidents were protected by unofficial watchmen or local police. 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. : Full-time responsibility was assumed in 1902, starting

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 Contrary to popular belief, the Secret Service was

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

: 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

: By the end of the Civil War, nearly one-third to one-half of all U.S. currency in circulation was counterfeit.