President Donald J. Trump's July 2, 2025, proclamation declares July 5, 2025, as the 160th Anniversary of the United States Secret Service. The proclamation details the agency's history, evolving mission, and the significant sacrifices made by its agents throughout the years, emphasizing bravery and dedication in protecting national leaders.
It calls upon all Americans to express gratitude to the Secret Service agents.
Arguments For
Recognizing historical significance: The proclamation acknowledges the Secret Service's 160th anniversary, highlighting its evolution from combating counterfeiting to protecting national leaders. The rich history and numerous instances of protecting Presidents are cited as justification.
Celebrating agents' service and sacrifice: The document emphasizes the dedication, training, and personal risks undertaken by Secret Service agents to protect the President, Vice President, and other dignitaries. Instances of bravely confronting danger are used as evidence.
Promoting national unity and patriotism: The proclamation uses the anniversary as an opportunity to express gratitude and celebrate the service of the agents, promoting patriotism and national unity by recognizing the sacrifice made by these individuals.
Legal and historical basis: The President's authority to issue proclamations is rooted in the Constitution and laws of the United States, providing a legal basis for the action.
Arguments Against
Potential for politicization: The use of a Presidential Proclamation to commemorate the Secret Service could be seen as an attempt to generate positive publicity, potentially politicizing the agency and its work.
Limited tangible impact: The proclamation is primarily symbolic, without direct policy changes or tangible improvements to the Secret Service or its operations. It's mainly a gesture of appreciation.
Alternative approaches: Other methods could be used to honor the Secret Service's anniversary, such as internal agency recognition or Congressional commendations, potentially avoiding the potential for political overtones.
Unintended effects: The proclamation might inadvertently elevate the profile of specific threats or incidents, potentially attracting unwanted attention.
On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation authorizing the creation of the United States Secret Service, the very same day an assassin’s bullet tragically took his life. Ironically, the agency he established likely could not have saved him. Its original purpose was not protection, but preservation, tasked with ending the widespread counterfeiting that threatened to destabilize the post-Civil War economy. Less than 3 months later, on July 5, 1865, the Secret Service officially began operations within the Department of the Treasury.
The United States Secret Service was created on April 14, 1865, the same day President Lincoln was assassinated.
Initially, its focus was on stopping widespread currency counterfeiting which threatened the post-Civil War economy, not on protection.
It officially started operations in the Department of the Treasury on July 5, 1865.
Over time, the agency’s mission began to expand. Following the assassination attempt of William McKinley in 1901, the Congress entrusted the Secret Service with the solemn duty of protecting the President of the United States. What began as an effort to defend America’s currency became a lasting commitment to defend its highest office. Today, the Secret Service stands among the Nation’s most elite and storied law enforcement agencies, defined by honor, vigilance, and its enduring motto: †“Worthy of Trust and Confidence.‡”
The Secret Service's role expanded over time. After an assassination attempt on President McKinley in 1901, Congress gave it the responsibility of protecting the President.
This shifted its focus from financial protection to presidential security.
The agency maintains the motto, “Worthy of Trust and Confidence.”
More than 8,000 men and women serve in the Secret Service, united by a mission that demands excellence, resilience, and steadfast loyalty. They protect the President and Vice President, their families, former presidents, major presidential candidates, and visiting foreign dignitaries. Their watch extends to the White House, the Vice President’s residence, National Special Security Events, and critical sites around the world. Agents undergo intense and rigorous training to earn their post, ensuring that only the most disciplined and determined are entrusted with this sacred duty. 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.
More than 8,000 Secret Service agents work to protect the President, Vice President, their families, former Presidents, prominent political candidates and visiting foreign leaders.
Their protection extends to multiple locations including the White House, the Vice President's residence, national security events, and critical international locations.
Agents undergo extensive and rigorous training to meet these responsibilities.
The United States Secret Service has stood as an unflinching shield against violence and mayhem, answering the call whenever danger arises to protect our national leadership. Agents have placed themselves in harm’s way to protect against the attempted assassinations of President-elect Franklin Roosevelt in 1933, President Harry Truman in 1950, President Gerald Ford in 1975, President Ronald Reagan in 1981, and two attempts against my own life in 2024. In each of these moments, they acted with split-second courage and absolute devotion to duty. I witnessed their bravery firsthand — calm under pressure, fearless in the face of danger, and wholly committed to the mission. Behind these historical incidents stand countless additional threats, lives protected without fanfare, and sacrifices made without recognition. To risk laying down one’s life for another is the most selfless act of patriotism and humanity, and I am forever indebted to the agents who risk everything to guard me from harm.
The Secret Service has a long history of protecting national leaders from violence.
The proclamation cites several instances of agents preventing presidential assassinations (Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan) and mentions personal experiences witnessing Secret Service bravery.
It underscores the selfless and patriotic act of risking their lives to protect others.
As we commemorate the 160th anniversary of the United States Secret Service, our Nation proudly honors the heroism, discipline, and unwavering commitment of every agent who have placed their lives in the line of fire so that our Republic, our freedom, and our glorious constitutional order may endure. Their bravery 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 celebrates the Secret Service's 160th anniversary, praising the agents' heroism, discipline, and commitment.
Their courage is described as representing the best qualities of the American spirit.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 5, 2025, as the 160th Anniversary of the United States Secret Service. I call upon all Americans to offer our unending gratitude and respect to the 8,000 employees of the United States Secret Service in more than 150 offices across the country and abroad that serve on the edge of danger to defend the safety and security of our communities and uphold the sovereignty and strength of our Republic.
President Trump officially proclaims July 5, 2025, the 160th anniversary of the United States Secret Service. He calls on Americans to express gratitude for the agents' service both domestically and internationally.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
This is the formal closing statement of the Presidential Proclamation, indicating the date and year of its signing (July 2, 2025), and the year of American independence (249th).
DONALD J. TRUMP
President Trump's signature concludes the proclamation.