I don't know what the reasoning was for the 1965 law (Public Law 89-186) requiring Secret Service protection for former Presidents and their spouses. But I say it should be reexamined.
A repeal of that 1965 law seems in order. Whether former Presidents retire to the comfort of their porches or land up in jail, we should make it clear that they are private citizens after leaving office.
@sloudermilk part of the reason for it is the enormous amount of sensitive information to which they have been exposed. Setting aside tfg for a minute, a more competent former president could be at risk for kidnapping in order to extract information. I think it's important to avoid kneejerk reactions. I'm ok with SS guarding a federal prison cell though. #politics
@CarmenSlamdiego
Ok, I can see that possibility. It would make some sense, I guess. But I wonder if the risk is that much larger than for any number of other very senior govt. officials (i.e. Generals, Cabinet Sectys, etc.).
When people who know secret stuff leave the gov. they may be a target. But it doesn't scale for Secret Service protection for all. IMHO we need to stop treating Presidents like US royalty. But. your point it well taken.