Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s Florida estate now has an unusual set of guards: robotic dogs. Fresh off Trump’s win in the 2024 election, these mechanical canines are patrolling the property under the direction of the Secret Service. For those familiar with Trump’s high-profile lifestyle, the arrival of robot security at his private estate feels like yet another bold move.
The robo-dogs showed up right after Donald Trump’s November 8 election victory, marking a rapid response to recent security concerns. The Secret Service decided to enhance security following two recent assassination attempts during Trump’s campaign, sparking urgency to tighten up the estate’s defenses. Now, the estate isn’t just a getaway; it’s under high-tech guard 24/7.
These aren’t your average robots. They’re part of the Secret Service’s ASTRO program, built to take security to a new level. With cameras, sensors, and thermal imaging, these robotic guards are built to spot even the faintest sign of suspicious activity. Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service’s chief communications officer, said these new “dogs” add an extra layer of protection, but he was tight-lipped about exactly what they’re capable of.
“Safeguarding the President-elect is our top priority,”
he shared, noting that the robo-dogs are designed to aid in keeping an eye on every corner of the property.
In fact, these robotic dogs already had a test run earlier this year. They were seen at the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., where they scanned for bombs and chemical threats. Their thermal cameras tracked targets with precision, proving their worth in high-stakes situations. Now, they’re taking on a more personal mission, monitoring Mar-a-Lago with the latest technology, right in Trump’s backyard.
One of the big perks of these robots? They can handle risky situations that would otherwise put human agents in harm’s way. With remote monitoring, the agents can watch the estate from a safe distance, allowing the dogs to handle the tough spots.
Public opinion on the robo-dogs is mixed. Tech fans are thrilled, seeing it as a smart move that brings futuristic security into the spotlight. Others are a bit uneasy, worried about privacy and wondering what this could mean for everyday people if such technology becomes common in public and private spaces.
