Top Secret Service officials have reportedly denied requests to enhance security measures for President Donald Trump over the past two years, leading to significant backlash.
Sources indicate that Trump’s security detail sought additional agents, snipers, specialty teams, and magnetometers for his public appearances.
Four sources, who wished to remain anonymous, informed the Washington Post that senior officials rejected these requests, citing a “lack of resources.” Magnetometers are essential for detecting metal objects and ensuring safety at large events.
Anthony Guglielmi, Chief of Communications for the Secret Service, issued a statement on July 14 refuting these allegations, stating, “The claim that Trump’s security team was denied additional resources is absolutely false.” He added that the agency had recently increased protective measures for Trump’s detail.
Despite this denial, the Secret Service later admitted that some requests might have been declined. The agency is grappling with limited funding and an increasing number of protectees, which has forced it to make difficult decisions about resource allocation.
The controversy has been exacerbated by a recent assassination attempt on Trump. On July 13, Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots at Trump from a nearby rooftop, injuring him in the upper part of his right ear. The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the Secret Service’s security arrangements.
In an interview with ABC News, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle explained that agents were not stationed on the rooftop where Crooks was located due to the dangers of the sloped surface. The agency has faced intense scrutiny over this and other security lapses during the event.
As the Secret Service continues to investigate the incident, the agency must address the criticisms and improve its security strategies to better protect high-profile figures. The assassination attempt has highlighted the need for adequate resources and effective security measures to prevent future threats.
