Are Secret Service agents that protect politicians chosen for duty by their political affiliation?

Secret Service agents are not chosen for duty based on their political affiliation. The selection and assignment of agents are based on their professional qualifications, skills, and the needs of the agency. The Secret Service is a non-partisan federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security, tasked with protecting U.S. political leaders and other high-ranking officials regardless of their political affiliations24.

The process of becoming a Secret Service agent involves a rigorous multi-step evaluation, including background investigations, polygraph examinations, and medical evaluations, to ensure that only highly qualified and trustworthy individuals are selected for these roles13. The emphasis is on ensuring the safety and security of protectees, not on political considerations.

In terms of assignments, agents are typically assigned based on operational needs and their individual expertise, rather than political considerations. The Secret Service's mission is to provide protection to individuals based on their official roles or positions, as mandated by law4. Therefore, political affiliation does not play a role in the selection or assignment of Secret Service agents.