Kimberly Cheatle, the current Secret Service Director, is under fire and facing demands to step down following a significant security lapse. The breach allowed a gunman to attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The New York Post reported that the incident has brought Cheatle's appointment under scrutiny, highlighting her connections with First Lady Jill Biden and advisor Anthony Bernal.
On the day of the attack, Thomas Matthew Crooks managed to fire at Trump during his public appearance. This shocking event has led to serious questions about the effectiveness of the Secret Service under Cheatle's leadership.
Cheatle, who became the second woman to lead the Secret Service in August 2022, has an extensive background in the agency, with 27 years of service starting during the Clinton administration.
However, she was working security at Pepsi before being tapped to run the Secret Service, not exactly a typical career path. Considering the performance of the Secret Service, many Americans are angry with this and want answers.
Before her current role, Cheatle worked as the senior director of global security at PepsiCo for three years. Her return to the Secret Service was marked by a favorable relationship with First Lady Jill Biden and her advisor Anthony Bernal.
Four sources close to the Biden family highlighted this connection, noting Bernal's influence in administrative decisions despite his lack of national security or law enforcement experience.
"Cheatle served on Dr. Biden’s second lady detail, and Anthony pushed for her," a Democratic insider revealed. "Anthony has no national security or law enforcement experience. He should have no influence over the selection of the USSS director."
Another source confirmed Bernal's push for Cheatle's appointment, adding, "I heard at the time she was being considered for director that Anthony had pushed her forward as an option." This influence has raised concerns among some Republicans, who argue that Cheatle's appointment was driven more by diversity and inclusion initiatives than her qualifications.
"Somebody really dropped the ball. You’ve got a DEI person, a DEI initiative person who heads up our Secret Service," Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) commented after the attack. These criticisms have been countered by others who describe Cheatle as professional and competent.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates defended Cheatle, stating, "Director Cheatle was chosen because of her deep qualifications for the job. She served in the Secret Service with distinction for 25 years, earning a reputation for excellence, hard work, and integrity." President Joe Biden also voiced his support, citing her past service on his security detail during his tenure as vice president.
"Jill and I know firsthand Kim’s commitment to her job and to the Secret Service’s people and mission," President Biden said. "When Kim served on my security detail when I was vice president, we came to trust her judgment and counsel."
Cheatle is scheduled to brief Congress on the security breach and will appear before the House Oversight Committee. This hearing will likely be a pivotal moment in determining her future as the Secret Service Director. Republican Congress members have been particularly vocal in questioning her leadership and the circumstances surrounding her appointment.
Despite the criticism, some sources continue to speak highly of Cheatle's professionalism. "Kim was always professional and a very competent agent. She was always good to work with," said one insider.
The exact process and timeline of Cheatle's appointment remain somewhat unclear, with various sources providing different accounts. However, the connection to Jill Biden and Anthony Bernal appears to have been a significant factor. This relationship has led to a broader discussion about the influence of political connections in high-level security appointments.
The Secret Service and the First Lady’s office declined to comment when requested, leaving many questions unanswered. As Cheatle prepares for her congressional briefing, the spotlight remains on her and the decisions leading up to her appointment.
Kimberly Cheatle's tenure as Secret Service Director is under intense scrutiny following a security lapse that endangered former President Donald Trump.
Her appointment, influenced by her connections to First Lady Jill Biden and advisor Anthony Bernal, has sparked debate about the role of political influence in security decisions.
While some criticize her qualifications, others defend her professionalism and experience. Cheatle's upcoming congressional briefing will be a critical moment in addressing these concerns and determining her future in the role.
