When I was sworn into the U.S. Secret Service as a Special Agent in 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower was well into the second year of his second term. As the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in World War II, he was credited with liberating Europe, which made him a worldwide hero. General Eisenhower had entered politics as a moderate Republican and had earned the respect of the nation, with 85 percent of the country viewing him favorably. The American people trusted his judgment and leadership during a time when the threat of a nuclear attack by the Soviet Union was a very real fear for all of us.
The Eisenhower era was one of peace and prosperity. Just seven months into his term, Eisenhower had ended the Korean War, and his conservative fiscal policies led to unprecedented expansion. Having seen the numerous benefits of the autobahns in Germany, Eisenhower initiated America’s interstate highway system, which created an abundance of jobs as roads and bridges were constructed across the country.
People were proud to be Americans, proud of our country, and proud of our president.