During a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, President Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old Democrat donor. The incident highlighted significant failures by the Secret Service in protecting Trump, with footage showing inadequate efforts by agents to shield and escort the president to safety.
The blame has largely been directed at Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who has faced criticism for her hiring practices. Reports indicate that instead of prioritizing the most qualified agents, Cheatle focused on increasing diversity, including setting a goal for the agency to be 30% female by 2030. Critics argue that this focus on diversity compromised the agency’s effectiveness.
Cheatle’s appointment as Secret Service Director has been linked to her close relationship with First Lady Jill Biden. According to sources, Jill Biden and her top advisor, Anthony Bernal, played a significant role in Cheatle’s selection. Bernal, who has no background in law enforcement or national security, reportedly lobbied for Cheatle’s appointment, raising questions about the influence and qualifications behind her leadership.
The New York Post reported that Cheatle was well-liked by Jill Biden and her staff during the Obama-Biden administration, which contributed to her appointment despite the concerns over her suitability for the role.
