The acting director of the U.S. Secret Service, Ronald Rowe Jr., expressed concerns about the morale of overworked agents in an exclusive interview with NBC News. He highlighted the strain on agents who are working long hours amidst operational and policy changes, leading to demoralization. This comes in the wake of an independent review calling for “fundamental reform” within the agency to prevent assassination attempts, such as the one that injured former President Donald Trump in July.
The review panel, composed of former senior law enforcement and government officials, identified numerous mistakes and deep systemic flaws within the Secret Service that enabled the assassination attempt on Trump. The panel warned that without fundamental reform, another attempt could happen again. Recommendations included bringing in a new leadership team, additional training and overhead surveillance for outdoor events, and setting up a central communications hub for large events. Rowe acknowledged the agency’s failures and revealed that Trump’s protective detail has been increased to the highest level.
Rowe stated that the agency is actively working on a comprehensive plan aimed at driving a fundamental transformation within the Secret Service. This plan focuses on increasing and retaining personnel, modernizing technology, and implementing a training program. Applications to join the Secret Service have increased, with 400 people currently in various stages of training. Rowe was appointed acting director in July after the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle following a contentious House Oversight Committee hearing.
In response to criticism from two men wounded in the July assassination attempt who accused the Secret Service of negligence, Rowe apologized and vowed that the agency would not fail again. There was also a second apparent assassination attempt in September at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, where a suspect allegedly pointed a rifle at Trump before being apprehended by a Secret Service agent. Trump, reportedly aware of threats against him by foreign actors, has decided not to play golf until after the election. Rowe emphasized that this was Trump’s personal decision.
Moving forward, Rowe stated that the Secret Service is committed to working with the department to implement actionable and feasible recommendations from the review panel. The agency has already taken steps to address the shortcomings highlighted in the report, including increased protection for Trump and improved transparency with Congress. As the agency strives to modernize technology, increase personnel, and enhance training, Rowe aims to build a stronger and more effective Secret Service to ensure the safety and security of the president and other protected individuals.
