The resignation of Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle on Tuesday shook Washington, coming in the wake of the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Cheatle stepped down just a day after facing tough questions from lawmakers about security failures that led to the attack at Trump’s campaign rally.
The incident left Trump with an ear wound, killed firefighter Corey Comperatore, and seriously injured two others.
Trump quickly responded to Cheatle’s departure in a statement to Fox News reporter Brooke Singman.
“She never gave me proper protection, so I ended up having to take a bullet for democracy,” Trump said, according to Singman’s report.
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The former president claimed that his security team had repeatedly asked for more personnel, but these requests were either turned down or ignored.
Trump also stated, “I have the biggest crowds in history, and they should be treated accordingly.”
He did note, however, that “Big improvements have been made over the last week.”
🚨 BOOM 🚨
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna leaves disgraced Secret Service Director Cheatle shaking and in SILENCE after catching her in perjury LIE
"You have perjured yourself. I ask that we bring perjury charges against the Director. We are prepared to hold you in contempt!"
WATCH: pic.twitter.com/4wimNzGDbP
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 22, 2024
The security controversy began immediately after the attack. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) initially claimed that the Trump campaign had been denied extra security.
Secret Service Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi strongly rejected this at first.
But in the days that followed, new information emerged backing up Waltz’s assertion that Trump had indeed been refused additional protection for large events.
This turn of events has raised serious questions about the Secret Service’s decision-making process and its ability to protect high-profile political figures.
EXCLUSIVE: I spoke to @realDonaldTrump on the resignation of #SecretService Director Cheatle.
He tells me “she never gave me proper protection, so I ended up having to take a bullet for democracy.” 1/3— Brooke Singman (@BrookeSingman) July 23, 2024
As investigations continue, attention is now turning to how security measures can be improved to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Cheatle’s resignation may be just the start of a broader shake-up within the Secret Service.
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The agency now faces the challenge of rebuilding public trust and ensuring the safety of political leaders in an increasingly tense political climate.
