Secret Service Marks 160 Years as Applications Surge Under New Administration

As the U.S. Secret Service celebrates 160 years since its founding, the agency reports a dramatic surge in recruitment—over 22,000 applications in 2025 alone—more than triple the total from the same period last year. The spike follows recent reforms under President Donald Trump’s administration, including the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and hiring practices, which officials credit for opening doors to a broader applicant pool.

Originally established on July 5, 1865, to address widespread counterfeiting in post-Civil War America, the Secret Service’s responsibilities have significantly expanded. Today, the agency not only combats financial crimes but also provides security for the President, Vice President, foreign dignitaries, and major national events. Its evolution reflects broader shifts in national priorities and security threats over the past century and a half.

The jump in interest comes at a time when the agency’s mission is seen as increasingly critical. With responsibilities spanning from cyber threats to high-level protection details, the Secret Service has emphasized the need for elite candidates to meet its no-fail mandates. Officials link the rise in applications to a renewed focus on merit-based hiring under the Trump administration, where only top-tier applicants are selected.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem acknowledged the milestone, noting the agency’s longstanding tradition of service and resilience. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Secret Service, continues to prioritize recruitment and modernization efforts to meet evolving security needs. For the public, this influx of new agents may translate to improved protection services and stronger financial crime enforcement.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

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