Secret Service agents have resorted to using a mock White House in Atlanta, built by Hollywood producer Tyler Perry, for training scenarios due to the agency's insufficient funding for proper facilities. This revelation came to light during a podcast discussion about the agency's training equipment and spaces following an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump in July.
Investigative reporter Eric Lipton revealed that the Secret Service lacks adequate training facilities, leading them to send personnel to Atlanta to train at Perry's replica White House. Additionally, the agency has utilized a retired 1960s-style airplane for Air Force One protection training.
Chief of communications for the U.S. Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, explained that a recommendation was made in 2014 to construct a replica White House for scenario-based training. Former Director Kimberly Cheatle collaborated with Tyler Perry to assess the training potential of the Atlanta facility.
Congress allocated over $3 billion to the Secret Service last year, but staffing levels have slightly decreased while the number of protectees requiring service has nearly doubled since 2015. The agency's need for better training and preparedness was underscored by the recent assassination attempt on Trump.
The House of Representatives passed a bill to address Secret Service needs for protection assignments, with Acting Director Ronald Rowe expressing gratitude for the short-term funding to enhance security measures. The agency looks forward to working with Congress for additional resources to support its workforce.
