BTN News: The security team of former President Donald Trump has raised concerns about inadequate resources and personnel from the Secret Service over the past two years. This concern has been confirmed by the agency, which acknowledged on Saturday that it had denied some of these requests.
A spokesperson for the Secret Service stated that while certain resources were not provided, the agency compensated with other security measures, including assistance from local partners. This acknowledgment comes amidst growing worry about a recent incident where a sniper accessed a rooftop just 150 meters from Trump’s position during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last week.
Both The Washington Post and The New York Times reported early on Saturday that the Secret Service had previously denied multiple security requests from Trump’s team over the past two years. Sources close to the former president suggested that these decisions might have been influenced by personal considerations at the agency’s senior levels. Despite Trump’s close relationship with his Secret Service detail, tensions have existed between these agents and the agency’s higher ranks, according to various insiders.
Responding to inquiries from CNN, a Secret Service spokesperson explained that the agency makes necessary “modifications” when certain resources are not provided. Anthony Guglielmi, the chief of communications for the Secret Service, emphasized in a statement that alternative measures, such as collaborating with state or local partners, are implemented to ensure the protection of those under their care. “In instances where specialized units or specific resources were not provided, we adapted to guarantee security, often utilizing state or local partners to offer specialized functions or identify alternatives to minimize public exposure,” Guglielmi wrote.
Guglielmi further addressed claims regarding the Pennsylvania rally, asserting that the allegations of denied security requests were unfounded. “This is absolutely false. We indeed increased protection resources, technology, and capabilities in line with the heightened campaign travel schedule,” Guglielmi clarified on X (formerly Twitter).
The incident has put Kimberly Cheatle, the Director of the Secret Service, under intense scrutiny. Questions abound regarding how an armed individual managed to get a clear line of sight to Trump during the rally, prompting calls for her resignation from members of Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. Cheatle is expected to face rigorous questioning this week as she testifies before several congressional committees about the security breaches that led to the assassination attempt.
The growing unease over these security lapses highlights significant challenges within the Secret Service and raises important questions about the agency’s capability to protect high-profile figures. As investigations continue, the focus will be on addressing these issues to prevent any future incidents and restore confidence in the agency’s effectiveness.
