Secret Service failed former President Donald Trump during Butler, Pennsylvania assassination attempt. Had the shooter had better aim, Trump would have been dead. In response to the attack, the federal government and President Biden himself have promised to spend more on Trump’s security, but former agents are blowing the whistle on the agency and claiming that it has a dark secret: its problems cannot be solved with more money.
The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) faces significant challenges despite a recent $231 million boost in funding, with experts saying that deep-rooted issues, such as manpower shortages, can’t be solved simply by throwing money at the problem. The agency, which has been under scrutiny following two attempts on Donald Trump’s life, struggles with a wave of retirements, recruiting hurdles, and nepotism, creating operational difficulties, especially in the run-up to the 2024 election.
Former agents argue that although the funding boost allows for the hiring of 400 new agents, it will take years for them to be fully operational. In the meantime, Trump’s security risks remain high, as evidenced by recent venue changes, including a Wisconsin rally that had to be relocated to a smaller venue due to resource limitations. This incident has been viewed by some as “election interference” by Trump.
The USSS is also tasked with protecting high-profile figures while still investigating certain financial crimes, a responsibility that some say should be relinquished in favor of focusing entirely on protective duties. The agency’s current staffing limitations were exacerbated during the United Nations General Assembly, stretching resources thin as the agency had to prioritize multiple protective operations.
Former agents suggest solutions such as borrowing personnel from other federal agencies or relying more on local law enforcement, although doing so carries risks, as seen in previous communication breakdowns. Despite these issues, experts emphasize the need for strategic prioritization and adaptability to meet the heightened security demands during this election season.
Can this institution even be fixed at this point?
Maybe if Trump wins and lets Robert F. Kennedy Jr. go to town rooting out the corruption. Wouldn’t that be a sight to behold?