Staff Reports
The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, was a shocking incident that stirred up a whirlwind of conversations across the country. It brought Secret Service failures into glaring focus, and then—just like that—it faded from the headlines. One can only wonder if this rapid disappearance was orchestrated by Democrats and the media, who feared the situation might accidentally bolster Trump’s political standing. With the inauguration just around the corner, this event highlighted serious issues and left many Americans concerned about the safety of one of the most polarizing figures in U.S. history.
As the nation reflects on the attempt, it’s crystal clear that reforming the Secret Service is an urgent need. The agency that once stood as a bastion of protection for presidents has seen a fall from grace, with complacency taking root in its ranks. Everyone remembers the chaotic day in July when alarming lapses in security became apparent. From drones to dangerous individuals hiding in plain sight, the agency has been under fire—figuratively and, in this case, literally. Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and current conservative commentator, has been actively engaging in discussions about the agency. Not only does he have the experience, but his fierce dedication to presidential safety makes him a prime candidate for reforming the Secret Service.
What’s disconcerting is the leadership within the agency that continues to be rewarded despite their track record. Take Kimberly Cheatle, for example, who held the position of director at the time of the assassination attempt. Despite severe missteps, she was allowed to resign rather than face consequences for her leadership failures. Imagine a widget company where the CTO is promoted to CEO after a product failure caused fatalities; it just wouldn’t fly. Many believe that the same should apply to the Secret Service. Oversight and accountability are not just buzzwords; they’re essential for public trust, especially when so many lives hang in the balance.
Bongino has asserted that the organization’s leadership is stagnant, mirroring an embarrassing inability to evolve. He pointed out ludicrous measures like agents being concerned about their tie colors, reflecting a culture misaligned with the urgency of their mission. When real threats loom, such trivial concerns seem almost laughable unless you are wearing one of those ties. The Secret Service should be focusing on more pressing matters than what color certain agents are sporting, raising questions about priorities when individuals like Cheatle are allowed to remain in power.
Even in the face of danger, responses from officials have been tepid at best. During testimonies following the assassination attempt, nothing meaningful was said concerning Trump’s safety or accountability. It appeared that the focus was elsewhere—perhaps on minimizing political fallout rather than addressing the elephant in the room. For an agency charged with shielding the president, their complacency in the face of imminent threats raises alarming questions about their preparedness. Many Americans would agree that it’s time for not just new faces but a total overhaul of operations.
With Inauguration Day ticking ever closer, concerns loom larger than ever over Trump’s safety. If nothing else, this attempted assassination—along with its ensuing revelations—should signal a wake-up call. Should it take an attempted murder to urge a change in leadership and protocols? Bongino could be the leader the agency desperately needs to reshape its culture and safeguard those in service. The idea isn’t to march toward an election year in a heightened state of danger; while one can hope all will be well, reality dictates that vigilance must reign supreme. The safety of any president—whether loved or loathed—is paramount, and as it stands, that protection needs serious rethinking, reform, and a change of heart from top leadership.
