On July 5, 2025, President Donald Trump proclaimed the 160th anniversary of the United States Secret Service, honoring the agency’s rich history and steadfast commitment to protecting the nation’s leaders.
The proclamation highlights the Secret Service’s establishment on April 14, 1865, when President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation creating the agency, coincidentally on the same day he was assassinated.
Originally, the Secret Service’s mission focused on addressing rampant counterfeiting that threatened the United States’ post-Civil War economy.
Just three months later, on July 5, 1865, the agency began its operations within the Department of the Treasury, aiming to stabilize the nation’s currency.
Over the years, the Secret Service’s responsibilities expanded significantly. After the assassination attempt on President William McKinley in 1901, Congress entrusted the agency with the critical mission of protecting the President of the United States.
What started as a financial security measure evolved into a vital national security function dedicated to safeguarding the highest office in the land.
Today, the Secret Service is recognized as one of the most elite law enforcement agencies in the nation, symbolizing honor and vigilance through its enduring motto: “Worthy of Trust and Confidence.”
Currently, over 8,000 dedicated men and women serve within the Secret Service, united in their mission that demands excellence, resilience, and unwavering loyalty.
These agents are responsible for the protection of the President and Vice President, their families, former presidents, major presidential candidates, and visiting foreign dignitaries.
Their protective efforts extend across multiple venues, including the White House, the Vice President’s residence, National Special Security Events, and critical sites worldwide.
New agents undergo rigorous training to earn their positions, ensuring that only the most disciplined and committed individuals are entrusted with this sacred duty.
Time and again, these agents demonstrate unyielding resolve, confronting threats with unmatched skill and a steadfast commitment to their mission.
The announcement also acknowledges the Secret Service’s history of resilience in the face of danger.
Agents have put themselves in harm’s way on numerous occasions, such as during attempted assassinations of various presidents through the years, including President Franklin Roosevelt in 1933, President Harry Truman in 1950, President Gerald Ford in 1975, and President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
President Donald Trump recounted that he had experienced two attempts on his own life in 2024.
In each of these critical moments, agents acted with extraordinary bravery, demonstrating calm under pressure and a deep sense of duty.
The President expressed his gratitude, stating, “I witnessed their bravery firsthand — calm under pressure, fearless in the face of danger, and wholly committed to the mission.”
The proclamation continues by acknowledging the countless threats neutralized and lives protected without any recognition of the sacrifices made by Secret Service agents.
President Trump emphasized that risking one’s life for another is the ultimate act of patriotism and humanity, declaring his indebtedness to the agents who protect him.
As the nation prepares to commemorate this milestone anniversary, President Trump calls upon all Americans to honor the heroism, discipline, and unwavering commitment of the Secret Service.
He expressed pride in the agency’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s leaders and the preservation of constitutional order.
In conclusion, President Donald Trump officially marked July 5, 2025, as a day of recognition for the outstanding work of the United States Secret Service, urging citizens to express their gratitude and respect for these brave agents.
The proclamation, made on July 2, 2025, adds another chapter to the legacy of the Secret Service, which remains a bulwark against threats to American leadership and a testament to the spirit of the nation.
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