The end of the Secret Service's struggle to protect presidents may not be immediate, even with increased manpower, according to a retired agent.

The Secret Service is responsible for safeguarding many individuals and properties across the country, while facing numerous threats to its protectees, including two unsuccessful attempts on the life of former President Trump.

The Secret Service safeguards approximately 40 individuals, including past and present presidents, vice presidents, and their spouses.

It's an unsustainable mission without more manpower, one former agent says.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stated on Tuesday that the House is considering extra funding for Secret Service personnel.

He told Chad Pergram at the Capitol that we don't want to simply throw money at a faulty system.

Bill Gage, a retired Secret Service agent and a consultant with SafeHaven Security Group, expressed approval of the proposal but noted that it could take up to two years to hire and train additional agents.

""Legislation or an executive order is needed to reform the agency," he told Planet Chronicle Digital."

The Secret Service is authorized to safeguard all current and former presidents, their spouses, the first and second families, high-level Cabinet members, and anyone else designated by presidential order.

President Biden's grandchildren, including Naomi Biden, 30, who was involved in a shooting outside her Washington townhouse, receive protection until they turn 16. This protection has been in place since Naomi's grandfather was vice president and can be continued by his successor after leaving office.

Before assuming office, presidents-elect and vice presidents-elect receive protection, while major presidential candidates receive it within four months of Election Day.

The estimated number of current protectees is between 30 and 40, but not all of them receive full-time coverage.

Gage stated that the list of recipients of Secret Service protection is constantly changing, and includes not only foreign heads of state and their spouses, but also other "distinguished" visitors. Certain events, such as the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, are also protected.

President Trump, a real estate billionaire, had multiple properties, including Mar-a-Lago in Florida and Trump Tower in New York, while President Biden enjoys Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, which is located near a major highway.

None of the areas are as secure as Camp David, the Maryland property that serves as the official "country residence" for sitting U.S. presidents.

"Gage informed Planet Chronicle Digital that Camp David, despite its reputation, is one of the most secure locations globally. Securing vacation properties, however, is extremely challenging."

During his 2012 vacation in Hawaii, President Obama's security detail was a massive operation that included dozens of Navy SEALS and the U.S. Coast Guard, according to Gage.

Gage stated that Camp David is situated on a mountaintop, making it extremely secluded.

The only access to the area is through a seven-mile road that descends the mountain, according to him. The perimeter is secured with two layers of 8-foot fencing and guard shacks staffed by U.S. Marines. This makes it much more secure than the White House, which serves as both the president's office and a hub for daily activity, with workers, deliveries, and visitors coming and going throughout the day.

Vacation homes are even less secure.

"Gage stated that presidents traditionally vacation in different locations, but the issue is that the world has changed, and a president may not be able to vacation in the same places without extensive protective measures being taken."

During Obama's 2012 vacation in Hawaii, we were accompanied by 20 to 30 Navy SEALs on various boats, necessitating the presence of multiple Coast Guard entities. We required a separate evacuation plan, with designated landing sites. The proximity of the hospital and the presence of neighbors near the house added to the logistical challenges of the protective operation.

Gage stated that the increase in risk makes the Service's job nearly impossible.

Since the attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, he has advocated for more personnel and a complete restructuring of the agency to enhance its readiness to counter potential threats.

In recent months, there have been several high-profile threats against U.S. officials, including two assassination attempts against Trump, the July arrest of a Florida man for making threats against the GOP presidential ticket, August charges against a man accused of making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris, federal charges against someone accused of threatening Harris, Biden and Obama, and charges against an alleged Iranian agent accused of trying to place a hit on high-level U.S. officials.

After the first attempt on Trump's life in July, the agency's director resigned and is under investigation for the agency's preparedness and handling of the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman named Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire with a clear line of sight to the protectee.

On Sunday, Ryan Routh was accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, by bringing a loaded rifle and camping out along the tree line.

Planet Chronicle Research contributed to this report.