The government has asked Congress for extra money to make sure Donald Trump, the former U.S. president, stays safe. The Secret Service, responsible for protecting leaders, says they don’t have enough resources to give Trump the level of protection he needs. This is a big deal because there have been two recent attempts on Trump’s life, making everyone wonder: How much protection does Trump actually get?

How Much Protection Does Trump Get?

The exact number of Secret Service agents protecting Trump is a secret. However, experts have a rough idea. Ronald Kessler, an author who knows a lot about the Secret Service, says that around 80 agents are assigned to protect Trump at any given time.

For comparison, the sitting president and vice-president are protected by about 300 agents. However, former presidents like Trump usually have fewer, between 90 and 100 agents in total. But this doesn’t mean Trump has 80 agents with him all the time. These numbers include all staff, not just the ones standing right next to him.

The agents closest to Trump are his “shift detail.” These are the ones who stay close to him all the time. But beyond them, there are also specialized teams like counter-sniper teams, counter-assault teams, and counter-surveillance teams. These groups work together to keep Trump safe from a distance.

Michael Matranga, a former Secret Service agent who worked under President Obama, explained that while Trump does have close protection, he also has additional teams that other former presidents might not need. These teams are more than just bodyguards – they watch for snipers, prevent surprise attacks, and monitor the surroundings for any signs of danger.

On a daily basis, most former presidents wouldn’t need these extra layers of protection, but Trump does. “They could even add more,” Mr. Matranga says. “It wouldn’t hurt to have dogs checking the area or an emergency team ready to respond quickly.” However, there’s a balance to be found. “The Secret Service can’t keep Trump in a bulletproof box all the time. He still needs to interact with people or play a round of golf.”

Trump’s Security Teams Work with Local Police

Former Secret Service agent Jason Russell explained that the Secret Service is in charge of the area immediately around Trump. But in large public spaces, like golf courses, local police often manage the outer areas. So, while Trump’s security team watches him closely, local officers keep an eye on the surroundings, like parking lots or public entrances.

How Has Trump’s Security Changed?

After the first assassination attempt, security around Trump got even tighter. The Secret Service had learned of a plot by Iran to kill him, so they added more agents and enhanced their methods. For example, they’ve started using drones to watch areas from the sky, improving communication systems, and increasing the number of security agents assigned to Trump.

During a recent hearing, the acting Secret Service Director, Ronald Rowe, told Congress that they’ve been working hard to make sure Trump stays safe. But how many more agents have been added? No one knows for sure, because the Secret Service keeps such information secret.

Jason Russell, who has worked closely with the Secret Service, said he’s noticed an increase in the number of agents protecting Trump. “Since Trump became the Republican nominee again, his security has definitely been ramped up. He’s getting more protection now than he did before.” However, he pointed out that Trump’s security still isn’t at the same level as the sitting president or vice-president, but it’s definitely stronger than for most former presidents.

What’s the Secret Service Saying?

The Washington Post reported that Trump’s security team had asked for more protection many times over the past two years. However, Secret Service officials repeatedly turned down these requests. At first, the agency denied that any requests had been made, but they later admitted that some of these requests may have been rejected.

But things have changed now. The acting head of the Secret Service, Ronald Rowe, said that Trump’s security around his home is now just as intense as when he was president. He’s getting the “highest level” of protection, which means that the Secret Service is treating the situation very seriously.

What Can Still Be Done?

Despite all this extra protection, some experts say there’s always room for improvement. Michael Matranga suggested that more could be done to ensure Trump’s safety. For example, having dogs sweep the area or having a team on standby in case of an emergency could make a difference. But, as he said earlier, there’s a balance to be struck. Trump still needs to go out, talk to people, and live his life. The Secret Service’s job is to find a way to keep him safe without isolating him from the public.

Final Thoughts

Protecting someone as high-profile as Donald Trump is no easy task. While the Secret Service works hard to keep him safe, there are always challenges. Two attempts on his life have shown that more needs to be done, and the government is taking these threats seriously. By asking for more money, they’re hoping to give the Secret Service the resources it needs to protect Trump at the highest level.