After two assassination attempts during the election campaign, Donald Trump’s inauguration in the United States will feature tight security in Washington. The person responsible for ensuring that everything goes smoothly is the Secret Service, a government agency that faces constant pressure due to failures in protecting the Republican before the election. On January 20, the American capital will be taken over by snipers, federal agents, police, as well as bomb squads and radiation detectors.
The expectation is that, on the way back from the Capitol to the White House, Donald Trump and his family will take part in the traditional parade in the streets of Washington. This is one of the best-known moments in the entire inauguration process and one of the most sensitive to the security of the most powerful man in the world. To parade in front of the population, Donald Trump must be inside a car known as “The Beast”, already described by former president Barack Obama, as a battle tank converted into a limousine.
The vehicle is a modified Cadillac, produced exclusively by General Motors, an automaker that won nearly $16 million in contracts from the U.S. government for the project, according to federal records. The newest model came into operation in 2018 when it was used by Donald Trump in New York for commitments linked to the UN General Assembly.
It’s almost impossible not to notice the thickness of the door every time the president gets out of his car during an official event. Sensitivity towards the limousine is something that sometimes comes across in the president’s commitments. It is common that in many state receptions in other countries there are ceremonial members who open the doors of the leaders’ cars upon arrival at the event locations. The problem is that, in the case of the “Beast”, only Secret Service agents can do this, which often ends up causing confusion when the American president gets out of the car.
For reasons of national security, many of the car’s specifics are confidential. Despite this, there are some things we know about “The Beast”.
Shielding and blood bag
The president’s car has armored glass capable of withstanding the impact of bullets from large-caliber weapons, such as rifles and sniper rifles. Some experts estimate a layer of at least 30 centimeters of protection. The reinforced coating can also resist explosives. Furthermore, the doors are hermetically closed and the interior has a system of oxygen tanks that can be used to save those inside in a possible attack with chemical gases or biological weapons.
The tires were designed to run even if they end up punctured or damaged by an external threat, ensuring transport in the event of an escape. In addition, there is a bag with the president’s blood reserved in a refrigerated compartment, in case an emergency transfusion is needed. The interior of the vehicle is also equipped with a secure communication system, with untraceable telephones that cannot be intercepted. In 2015, Barack Obama said in an interview that it was possible to mobilize a nuclear submarine from a call from inside the car.
Despite the security features, the presidential car also presents some logistical and operational challenges. Normally used on trips, GM cars are placed on military cargo planes that arrive at their final destination even before the American president. Transportation is expensive and needs to be planned well in advance by Secret Service leaders.
Furthermore, there are reports that the vehicle is difficult to maneuver due to its weight, low ground clearance and size. Due to the extremely heavy armor, parts linked to the suspension, brakes, transmission and tires end up wearing more, which implies higher maintenance costs.
Presidential convoy
Even with all the devices that “The Beast” has, much of the president’s protection is around her. The limousine never drives alone, it is always surrounded by several other vehicles: it is called the “Motorcade”, the presidential convoy. There are multiple layers of protection in the same operation, choreographed down to the smallest detail, ensuring safety and efficiency
Before the limousine passes, Secret Service protocol dictates that another car travels the route minutes earlier. The objective is to identify sensitive points or security bottlenecks along the route. Shortly afterwards, the scouts appear to open the way and ensure constant speed of the train.
Other elements of the delegation also include vehicles equipped with domes on the roof capable of deactivating any remotely detonated explosive, via radio or telephone signal. This car can also identify drones and projectiles using radar.
SUV-type cars transport the Secret Service’s elite troops, with agents carrying state-of-the-art, high-precision weapons. In addition, an ambulance is part of the train for any medical emergency.
This content was originally published in “A Beast”: Find out what the limousine that should be used by Trump at the inauguration looks like on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
