The prospect of a former president potentially facing incarceration presents unique challenges for the Secret Service, which is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of current and former presidents. Reports suggest that the organization has already begun planning how to handle Donald Trump’s security in the event that he is incarcerated for violating a gag order issued by Judge Juan Merchan in his hush money trial.

Trump faces serious legal jeopardy, with 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records concerning alleged hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress, before the 2016 election. This trial marks a historic moment as the first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president.

Trump’s behavior during court proceedings has attracted attention, including reports of him falling asleep multiple times and expressing frustration over the gag order imposed by Judge Merchan.

During a recent hearing regarding the gag order, Judge Merchan admonished Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, for his conduct and warned him about losing credibility with the court. The judge has yet to issue a decision on the matter but indicated that it could happen at any time.

The Secret Service’s responsibility to ensure Trump’s security, even in potentially unprecedented circumstances such as incarceration, underscores the complexity of their role in safeguarding former presidents, regardless of their legal challenges.

Legal experts generally doubt that Judge Merchan will choose to incarcerate the former president, instead anticipating the imposition of fines. However, the possibility of incarceration remains technically viable, particularly due to Trump’s continued comments criticizing prosecution witnesses.

Reports from ABC News indicate that the Secret Service has already initiated discussions and started planning for contingencies in the event that former President Donald Trump is held in contempt during his hush money trial and Judge Merchan decides to order short-term confinement. These plans reflect the Secret Service’s responsibility to ensure the security and well-being of Trump, even in potentially unprecedented circumstances.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecutors indicated that they were not currently seeking incarceration for Trump but rather fines. However, they emphasized Trump’s ongoing attacks and suggested that he appears to be positioning himself for imprisonment.

Regarding the Secret Service’s preparations, officials familiar with the situation clarified that they don’t necessarily anticipate Merchan ordering Trump to be held in a courthouse holding cell. However, they are planning for various contingencies. These discussions have not yet extended to what actions would be taken if Trump were to be convicted and sentenced to prison, either in this case or in the other pending criminal matters against him.

CNN’s Wolf Blitzer shared Tuesday evening about the Secret Service discussions, noting their involvement with court officers and the New York Department of Corrections.

However, the Secret Service declined to comment on the specific details of these discussions or any plans regarding Trump’s protection, issuing a statement to that effect.

Under federal law, the United States Secret Service must provide protection for current government leaders, former Presidents and First Ladies, visiting heads of state and other individuals designated by the President of the United States. For all settings around the world, we study locations and develop comprehensive and layered protective models that incorporate state of the art technology, protective intelligence and advanced security tactics to safeguard our protectees. Beyond that, we do not comment on specific protective operations.

According to The New York Times, two sources revealed that an impromptu meeting involving federal, state, and city agencies was convened to discuss the logistics of potentially imprisoning Trump. This meeting was reportedly prompted by the prosecution’s arguments regarding the gag orders, particularly their request for Judge Merchan to explicitly remind Trump of the possibility of being jailed for contempt.

If Trump were to face short-term incarceration for violating a gag order, it would likely occur in a courthouse holding cell, rather than a regular state jail or federal prison. However, if he is convicted in any of the cases against him, those venues could become his new residence.

Handling the potential incarceration of a former president presents significant logistical challenges, as highlighted by officials interviewed for The New York Times article. These challenges include the need to keep the former president separate from other inmates, screening his food and personal items, and providing 24/7 protection by a rotating detail of armed Secret Service agents. Despite the typical prohibition on firearms in prisons, Trump’s agents would be armed.

Spokespeople for New York City jails and New York State prisons declined to provide specific details about how they would manage having a former president as an inmate. However, they assured that they would assess security needs and make appropriate accommodations. Some city jails and state prisons have empty wings or sections due to closures, which former corrections officials suggested could be adapted to accommodate Trump and his protective detail.