Securing the Transition: How the U.S. Secret Service Would Remove an Outgoing President from the White House

Often, the transition of power from one presidency to the next occurs smoothly, but what happens if an outgoing president refuses to leave the White House on the official inauguration day? The answer, while dramatic, is rooted in established procedures and protocols. This article explores the hypothetical scenario and the measures the Secret Service would take to ensure a safe and orderly transition of power.

The Immediate Consequences

The Presidential term officially ends at 12 noon on Inauguration Day, after which the outgoing president reverts to a regular citizen, with the exception of any remaining commitments such as defending the office. Failing to adhere to this is considered trespassing. The immediate consequence would be a confrontation involving the Secret Service, a veteran special forces unit, and the potentially unwieldy figure of Donald Trump.

A Cinematic Scenario

While the final answer is straightforward—remove the president—there are more dramatic versions that could play out in the unlikely event that the procedures from the Obama administration remain in effect. At 12:01 PM ET on January 20, 2021 (or any other inauguration day in question), a Biden administration official with a White House staff 'hard pass' would inform the Secret Service Duty Officer that Trump is their visitor.

Encountering a Resistant Ex-President

As an unauthorized trespasser, Trump would find himself within the security perimeter of a federal military installation, protected by a sterile zone. He would be surrounded by uniformed Secret Service personnel trained in close-quarters engagements. K-9 unit dogs, complete with titanium canine teeth implants, would also be deployed. These highly-trained canines can run at an impressive 30MPH, vastly outpacing the average healthy adult male who can only maintain a speed of 5.9MPH over short distances.

The Enforceable Reality

Agents or members of the crash response team, including MWDs (Military Working Dogs), would quickly subdue Trump. Agents could use a range of forceful measures, including remote triggers for chemical irritants, tear gas, and non-lethal TASERs. The dogs, trained to apprehend and hold their targets, would also play a critical role in ensuring the detainee remains immobilized.

The White House: A Military Base Camouflaged

The White House is more than just a presidential residence; it is a military base in disguise. As a Department of Defense facility, it is known as a "Presidential Support Facility" (PSF). This designation grants the Secretary of Defense authority to ensure the facility is fully prepared for any contingency. This includes staff training, equipment readiness, and security protocols.

Facilities and Departments

The PSF designation involves several departments and units critical to the president's support. These include:

White House Medical Unit White House Mess Staff Dining Hall White House Communications Agency Airlift Group HMX-1 (Marine unit operating Marine One) NSF Thurmont (Camp David) White House Transportation Agency White House Military Office

Conclusion

The procedures outlined are part of a broader system designed to ensure the safety and security of both the outgoing and incoming presidents. While the described scenario is theoretically dramatic, it underscores the seriousness with which the transition of power is managed in the United States.