Former President Donald Trump’s security detail has raised concerns about the lack of resources and personnel provided by the Secret Service in the past two years. The agency admitted that it had denied some requests for additional security measures.
A spokesperson for the Secret Service stated that while certain resources were not provided, alternative security measures were implemented, including assistance from local partners. This revelation follows an incident where a sniper was able to gain rooftop access close to Trump during an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Reports from local media outlets indicated that previous security requests from Trump’s team had been turned down by the Secret Service. Some individuals close to the former president believed that these decisions, which they perceived as personal to Trump, originated from high-ranking officials within the agency.
Despite Trump's close relationships with members of his Secret Service detail, tensions have reportedly existed between these agents and the agency's upper management for some time.
In response to inquiries about denied security requests, a spokesperson clarified that the Secret Service makes adjustments when specific resources are unavailable. This may involve leveraging state or local partners to fulfill specialized functions or finding alternative solutions to minimize the protectee's exposure.
The Secret Service refuted claims that Trump was denied additional security for the Pennsylvania rally, emphasizing that protective resources, technology, and capabilities were enhanced due to increased campaign travel.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is under scrutiny for the security lapse that allowed a gunman to target Trump at the rally. Calls for her resignation have emerged from members of Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Cheatle is expected to address these security failures during her upcoming testimony before congressional committees this week.
