President Joe Biden has authorized Secret Service protection for former Director Kim Cheatle following her resignation in the wake of the botched security operation during the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Cheatle, who stepped down after intense bipartisan criticism and growing public anger, is now receiving round-the-clock security due to reported threats, according to sources within the Secret Service.
The decision has sparked widespread outrage, as many see it as a reward for failure rather than accountability. Cheatle was heavily criticized for the myriad lapses under her watch, including the incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman opened fire on Trump, narrowly missing him but killing a firefighter in the process. Cheatle’s resignation came just one day after her testimony before the House Oversight Committee, where she was grilled over the agency’s repeated failures.
Reports indicate that the threats against Cheatle have ranged from hostile social media posts to individuals approaching her directly, prompting the administration to take action. However, critics are questioning why Cheatle is receiving protection while the Secret Service continues to face scrutiny over its handling of Trump’s security.
Adding to the controversy is Cheatle’s close relationship with the Biden family. Having previously served on Biden’s protective detail, Cheatle was reportedly recommended for the director position by First Lady Jill Biden. This connection has led to accusations that political favoritism is driving decisions within the administration.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi declined to confirm the details of the protection arrangement, citing agency policy not to discuss “protective intelligence” or employee matters. However, the decision has only fueled speculation that Cheatle is being shielded from accountability while critical questions remain unanswered.
The swift assignment of protection for Cheatle contrasts sharply with the administration’s reluctance to extend similar security measures to others, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite credible threats. This inconsistency has left many wondering whether political allegiances are influencing who receives protection and who does not.
The controversy surrounding Cheatle’s protection comes as the Secret Service remains under intense scrutiny. The agency has yet to fully explain why key safety measures failed during the Butler incident, leaving many to wonder if the focus has shifted from protecting those at risk to protecting those in power.
