This is not good at all.
In recent years, concerns over the security of high-profile figures, including President-elect Donald Trump, have highlighted significant issues within the U.S. Secret Service. Multiple investigations, including those by the White House and Congress in 2014, exposed deep flaws within the agency. These reports revealed that the Secret Service was stretched beyond its capacity, with leadership opting to cover up rather than confront growing problems. The Washington Post has reported that while recommendations were made to address these weaknesses, many of the issues persist or have worsened over time.
Among the key issues identified were insufficient agent training, understaffing, and poor morale. An alarming statistic revealed that a staggering 40% of the Secret Service workforce had five years or less of experience—a sharp increase from just 13% in 2015. This lack of experience has had dangerous consequences. During an assassination attempt against Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2023, a junior agent with only four years on the job was responsible for developing the security plan. This decision came under scrutiny by an independent panel commissioned by the Department of Homeland Security, which expressed concerns that the Secret Service was relying on unqualified personnel for critical security operations.
Jonathan Wackrow, a former Secret Service supervisor, criticized the agency’s approach, pointing out that relying on “hope” instead of competence was a dangerous strategy. Tragically, during the Butler rally, a bullet grazed Trump’s ear, one spectator was killed, and two others were wounded.
Despite a 2014 recommendation for Secret Service agents to spend 25% of their time in training, recent records show that agents have been spending only 3% to 7%. This lack of preparation, combined with increasing staffing shortages, has left the agency ill-equipped to handle the escalating threats facing high-profile individuals, including Trump.
In response to these failures, a bipartisan task force has called for significant reforms. Recommendations include reducing the number of foreign leaders the Secret Service protects during election seasons and even considering removing the agency from the Department of Homeland Security. These proposals reflect the urgency of addressing the agency’s shortcomings to ensure the safety of those it is tasked with protecting, especially during critical times like presidential campaigns. The recent threats against Trump underscore the need for immediate, effective action to restore the Secret Service to a position where it can truly safeguard the nation’s leaders.