Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., recently criticized the Secret Service’s briefing to senators about the assassination attempt against former President Trump, calling it “completely worthless.” He expressed his disappointment in an interview with Fox News Digital, stating that the information provided could have been summarized in just two minutes, yet it took the Secret Service an entire hour to explain to lawmakers.
The briefing, which took place just days after the shooting incident at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, left Trump injured, a spectator dead, and two others hospitalized. Marshall pointed out that while the Secret Service administrator took accountability for the issue, there was no acknowledgment of a mass failure within the agency.
According to Marshall, there appears to be a significant cultural issue within the Secret Service, with a greater focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) than on their primary mission and hiring qualified individuals. He also noted a decrease in the number of questions asked during agency and department briefings under Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
During the recent briefing, only four senators were allowed to ask questions, highlighting the limited information provided. Marshall even suggested that Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle may not have a full understanding of the investigation details.
Despite the seriousness of the assassination attempt, Marshall expressed doubts about the competency of the Secret Service in handling the situation effectively. He questioned whether the agency was truly taking the incident seriously or if they were simply incompetent.
In response to these concerns, a Secret Service spokesman emphasized the agency’s commitment to continuity of operations during critical incidents. Director Kimberly Cheatle has no intentions of stepping down and is dedicated to transparency throughout the investigation process to strengthen the agency.
Overall, Marshall’s criticisms highlight the need for greater accountability, transparency, and competency within the Secret Service to ensure the safety and security of public officials and the general public. It is essential for agencies like the Secret Service to prioritize their mission above all else and address any internal cultural issues that may hinder their effectiveness in carrying out their duties.