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The U.S. Secret Service has confirmed that robotic dogs are being used to secure President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home.
According to Reuters footage, one was seen patrolling with an agent. Secret Service chief communications officer Anthony Guglielmi declined to say how long the robots have been used at Mar-a-Lago but noted they feature technology that supports security goals.
“Safeguarding the President-elect is a top priority,” Guglielmi wrote in a statement shared with Nexstar. “While we cannot get into the specific capabilities, the robotic dogs are equipped with surveillance technology, and an array of advanced sensors that support our protective operations.”
The Secret Service showcased the robots’ capabilities at the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., where they explained that the units are part of the “ASTRO” program (“Autonomous Systems and Technical Robotic Operation”). These robotic “dogs” can be equipped with bomb and chemical threat detectors, thermal cameras, and high-resolution zoom.
NEW: Donald Trump has reportedly beefed up his security detail at Mar-a-Lago and now has a robotic dog patrolling the property.
A large warning sign on the side of the robotic dog reads: ” Do Not Pet”
The robot dog was made by Boston Dynamics and is equipped with… pic.twitter.com/qLktzbf3m3
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 8, 2024
“I’m kind of excited to see what’s going to come out [of the ASTRO program] it continues to progress forward,” an official explains. “With just a quick download, the robot just continues to get better with every software update.”
The robotic dogs are just one security measure at Mar-a-Lago since Election Day; a Coast Guard boat with mounted rifles was also seen nearby.
Some humorous jokes also appeared under X media journalist Collin Rugg’s post:
At least this one won’t bite you. pic.twitter.com/HYc6IzuvkJ
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 8, 2024
Kamala.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 9, 2024
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