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The president and first lady travel in an 'imperial bubble', where the US government books entire floors of hotels, closes down airports, and shuts down highways. Here's what it's like.

When members of the US presidential administration travel, their trips require more than booking flights and a hotel.

trump motorcade
  • Multiple security departments send scores of agents to protect the traveling official, and the Secret Service often visits cities months ahead of time to nail down logistics.
  • The layers of security, aides, and press that insulate top government officials during such trips has been called an "imperial bubble."
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When the top members of a sitting presidential administration travel, they do so within what The New York Times once described as an " imperial bubble ."

The collective of press, security, and aides that surround top members of the administration during their time outside of Washington, DC follow carefully designed guidelines to ensure a safe and efficient trip.

From the White House to ritzy hotels and high-profile appearances across the world, this is what it's like inside the "imperial bubble."

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During presidential travel, the restriction's "inner ring" is approximately 10 miles, in which other aircraft cannot fly below 18,000 feet or land at any airports. Aircraft can fly through, but not loiter in the "outer rings," which span approximately 30 miles.

For a traveling Vice President or similar lower official, restrictions spark a temporary "no fly" zone for when the subject is arriving, departing, or at the airport.

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Source: Wired

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A former agent told The Washington Post that the counter-assault team not only scans the perimeter for potential threats, but is also poised with combat vests and massive rifles to " lay down an unbelievable amount of suppressive fire " in the event of an attack on the motorcade.

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Brandon Barr, courtesy of Ritz Carlton Toronto

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Source: INSIDER

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Source: Newsweek

Ross Rheaume courtesy of the Ritz Carlton Toronto

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Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

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See Also:

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SEE ALSO: 15 Secret Service code names for presidents, first ladies, and first children and the stories behind them

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