When the President of the United States travels, his security is managed by the U.S. Secret Service, which prioritizes safety through a comprehensive approach involving specialized teams and collaboration with other agencies.
The Secret Service’s protective mission includes support from the entire U.S. military and its own specialized resources. Teams skilled in countering chemical, biological, explosive, radiological, and nuclear threats accompany the President during both domestic and international trips. Planning for these trips often begins weeks or months in advance, with detailed threat assessments and logistical preparations.
“All options are on the table when it comes to the protection of the President of the United States,” said Assistant Director James Donahue, who oversees the Office of Protective Operations. “We look to bring everything you can think of to bear to keep the President safe.”
This level of security will be evident when the President leads a U.S. delegation to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland later this month. The Secret Service ensures that all aspects of security are addressed during foreign visits, including physical protection, airspace security, and countersurveillance efforts.
“Our efforts to make a safe environment have no bounds,” Donahue said.
The Presidential Protective Division is responsible for leading these efforts and is supported by federal, state, and local agencies within the United States. When abroad, coordination extends to foreign law enforcement partners as well as support from the U.S. military and State Department.
These partnerships allow for deployment of specialized assets such as armored vehicles, K9 units, and tactical teams worldwide.
“Thanks to the partnerships we have with the military, we are able to travel our highly specialized assets – armored vehicles, K9s, tactical units – throughout the world, regardless of the location. The result is a consistent, fortified posture wherever the President goes,” Donahue said. “Our standards are uncompromising and they are the reason for our status as a global leader in protection.”
