Republican Lawmakers Criticize Secret Service Director Over DEI Efforts

Kimberly Cheatle, Director, U.S. Secret Service, testifies during a House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing on Oversight of the U.S. Secret Service and the Attempted Assassination of P

Congressional members from both sides of the aisle questioned U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle on Monday regarding the security failure that allowed a gunman to fire shots at former President Donald Trump in an assassination attempt. During the hearing, several Republican lawmakers raised concerns about gender and the agency's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee referred to Cheatle as a 'DEI horror story,' while Wisconsin Rep. Glenn Grothman and Texas Rep. Michael Cloud questioned the agency's hiring practices and standards. Cheatle clarified that all applicants must meet the same qualifications to become a special agent.