The acting Secret Service director, Ronald Rowe, has admitted that the agency needs to undergo a complete overhaul of how it protects presidents following the recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump. Rowe stated that the agency needs to shift from a reactive model to a readiness model, but did not provide specific details on his vision for the agency. The Secret Service has been under scrutiny since a gunman fired at Trump in July, and another assassination attempt occurred at his golf club in Florida, leading to increased security for Trump.
Rowe acknowledged that the Secret Service operates under a paradox of a zero-fail mission while having done more with less for decades, and emphasized the immediate need for additional resources. Former FBI agents have questioned how a man was able to get close to the former president and remain hidden for 12 hours, highlighting the agency’s chronic understaffing. The Secret Service’s budget has nearly doubled over the past decade, but staffing levels have not increased significantly.
Former Secret Service agents have emphasized the need for extra personnel to protect Trump, particularly in outdoor venues like golf courses. They have raised concerns about the lack of security buffer around Trump and the delay in providing additional security measures. The Secret Service is now facing calls for increased funding and resources to ensure the safety of presidents, presidential candidates, and other protectees.
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