Security and the White House

Today, the president of the United States, the first family, and the White House are protected and monitored by full-time security, but this has not always been the case. From the White House’s earliest residents to today, security at the White House has changed dramatically. Although the first protective fence was built around the White House in 1801, the Secret Service did not provide full-time protection for the president until 1901. Living in the White House can create a difficult environment because the president’s work and private life are publicly visible. Enhanced security measures ensure that the first family can feel safe in their home and in public. Explore the history of security at the White House.