In his conversation earlier this week, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) communicated concerns about a Secret Service official, a woman, who was put in the role of heading former President Donald Trump’s protective detail during his visit to Butler, Pennsylvania, in July. This, he mentioned, was the time when an attempted act of assassination brewed against the former president, making the situation significantly alarming. The official in question had reportedly not passed crucial training tests when she was first inducted into the agency.
Sen. Hawley delivered sharp criticisms towards the Biden-Harris Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to him, the department was pushing the Secret Service to resist cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Hawley regarded this tendency as ‘outrageous’, an attitude which he found to be objectionable.
Even member from across the aisle, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), voiced similar concerns earlier in the week, bringing to light the DHS’s reticence in complying with the investigation. The series of incidents surrounding this has resulted in increasing unease about the workings of these departments.
Elaborating on the scenario, Hawley expressed his bewilderment about letting the same agent be in command of the entire operation, right from the president’s arrival till his departure to Butler. He found this choice, considering the circumstances, to be unfathomable.
He further revealed that information from sources familiar with the Secret Service’s internal investigation suggests that the DHS is applying pressure on the Secret Service. This pressure is apparently to discourage the Secret Service from acceding to document requests from Congress, which brings more complexity into this convoluted matter.
This incident was brought to light by Sen. Hawley during his interview on Fox News on Thursday evening. The discussion around how the Secret Service and the DHS had a lapse in their duty to secure the president was a focal point of the conversation.
The most startling revelation made by Hawley during this discussion was about the lead advance agent assigned to the task in Pennsylvania. She took command of the comprehensive itinerary of Trump’s visit in the state. However, allegations indicate that this agent, at the start of her service, failed one or more critical training tests.
The disclosures taking shape from multiple whistleblowers who are now stepping ahead are raising severe concerns. They point towards the fact that the Trump rally was handled with gross inadequacy. There was a shortage of staff, and the team lacked individuals with the necessary experience.
The lead advance agent’s prior failure in ‘one or more of her training exams’ was discussed by Hawley. He shared that she was not seen as an elite agent within the Service, raising more questions about her ability to handle such a significant assignment.
Hawley brought forward a pertinent question: considering her reputation of not being a high-performing agent, why was she ever allowed to manage the entire trip? A question that points towards potentially deep-seated issues within the agency.
This whole scenario paints a picture of grave negligence and significant shortcomings. The selection of an agent, known to be not of the highest caliber, to head such a sensitive mission, raises questions on the processes and priorities within the agency.
The alleged pressure from the Biden-Harris DHS on the Secret Service to circumvent the investigation could shed light on deeper systemic issues. There seems to be a dire need for a more transparent and accountable mode of functioning in these organizations.
It appears that it’s high time that these agencies reassess their internal processes and standards. The importance of the efficacy of an organization like the Secret Service should never be undermined, considering their significant role in safeguarding the nation’s leaders.
NEW @SecretService BOMBSHELL: Sen Josh Hawley says the Lead Secret Service advance agent was a woman from Pittsburgh’s field office. She FAILED a key exam, but disgraced former director Kim Cheatle promoted her anyway. Now Homeland Security is telling the Secret Service to cover… pic.twitter.com/iYG6Elw4Y7
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) September 13, 2024