![A Ford SUV is just one of the vehicles the U.S. Secret Service uses.](https://develop.motorbiscuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USSS-Ford-SUV-Ceri-Breeze-via-iStock.jpg?w=902)
What Kinds of Vehicles Does the Secret Service Use?
The United States Secret Service is under scrutiny following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. However, despite the understandable reevaluation of the institution’s protocols and effectiveness, the federal agency has protected current and former presidents, vice presidents, and other protectees for well over 100 years. Of course, to accomplish this monumental task, the U.S. Secret Service employs many SUVs, armored vehicles, and, of course, the president’s limousine.
The U.S. Secret Service uses everything from the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Explorer to tactical units and ‘The Beast’
The U.S. Secret Service uses many types and variants of popular domestic vehicles to serve their protectees. Understandably, the first images you likely conjure when you picture federal agents escorting the president are of black, almost sinister SUVs. You’re not far off. The USSS employs many modified versions of common American SUVs, like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition, and Dodge Durango.
Beyond the more common SUV nameplates, the president’s faithful protectors use tactical vehicles like Ford F-350 box trucks resembling blacked-out ambulances. Moreover, the USSS deploys special divisions to accomplish specific tasks. For instance, the agency’s Counter-Sniper Teams (CS), like the sniper who neutralized Donald Trump’s would-be assassin, “are selected from the agency’s uniformed ranks,” and their vehicle may be outfitted to support CS operations.
Of course, the most famous of the president’s earth-bound transportation (we’re not discussing Air Force One or Marine One here) is “The Beast.” Business Insider reports that the appropriately-name 1.5-million dollar limousine tips the scales at 20,000 lbs. Understandably, too. It’s bulletproof, nearly impenetrable, and better yet, some parts of it are classified. I’ll let your mind run wild.
However, it’s not just sitting presidents and vice presidents. Far from it. The federal agency has “an integrated mission of protection and financial investigations to ensure the safety and security of our protectees, key locations, and events of national significance.” This includes protecting former presidents, like Donald Trump.
As such, current and former presidents don’t typically drive themselves. Per the 1958 Former Presidents Act, former commanders-in-chief are entitled to protection including drivers. However, The Beast is reserved for current presidents, not former presidents.