US Secret Service Director Resigns Amid Criticism Over Trump Assassination Attempt

Kimberly Cheatle, Director of the US Secret Service, has resigned amidst intense scrutiny following security lapses during a recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Her resignation comes amid bipartisan pressure and calls for her impeachment from Republican lawmakers, who criticized her handling of Trump’s security during a rally in Pennsylvania.

Cheatle faced further criticism after her appearance before the House Oversight Committee on Monday, where she declined to answer numerous questions.

Acknowledging “significant” security failures at the rally, Cheatle initially resisted calls to resign, asserting that she was the most qualified person to lead the Secret Service at this challenging time.

House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed Cheatle’s resignation as overdue, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust in the Secret Service’s capabilities.

“We now need to focus on rebuilding public confidence in the Secret Service,” Johnson stated. “The agency plays a critical role in protecting presidents, former presidents, and other executive branch officials, and significant efforts are required to restore that trust.”

The Secret Service has faced scrutiny over its handling of Trump’s protection, particularly regarding access control and information management related to the gunman’s actions.

Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, Cheatle had committed to full cooperation with ongoing investigations. Her career includes 27 years of service in the Secret Service and a tenure managing Global Security at PepsiCo before assuming the directorship.