Trump Commends Heroic Female Secret Service Agent
Former President Trump has passionately defended a female Secret Service agent who shielded him during an assassination attempt. This brave act later faced a wave of online criticism.
Recalling the Harrowing Incident
During a rally in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Trump described the terrifying scene where “bullets were flying” and his security detail acted swiftly. Trump praised the agent, saying, “Every one of them – there wasn’t one that was slow. A woman who was on my right, she was shielding me.” He went on to emphasize her bravery, noting, “She was shielding me with everything she could. And she got crushed. And she got criticized by the fake news because she wasn’t tall enough.”
The Criticism and Trump’s Response
Despite her courageous efforts, the unidentified female agent faced severe criticism. Trump expressed his frustration, saying, “She was so brave, she wanted to take a bullet for me. And she was criticized because she wasn’t tall enough.”
Online Criticism and Public Reaction
Following the attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania, the female agent received backlash from various online pundits and Trump supporters. Conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza and podcaster Matt Walsh were among those who questioned the presence of women in the Secret Service. Walsh stated, “There shouldn’t be any women in the Secret Service. These are supposed to be the very best, and none of the very best at this job are women.”
Elon Musk’s Perspective
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also commented on the incident. He suggested that Secret Service agents need to be “large enough” to adequately cover the subject they are protecting. “Having a small person as body cover for a large man is like an undersized Speedo at the beach – doesn’t cover the subject,” Musk wrote on X.
Secret Service Under Scrutiny
The Secret Service has been under intense scrutiny following the security breach that allowed Thomas Matthew Crooks to open fire at the Trump rally in Butler. Kimberly Cheatle, who had served as the Secret Service director since August 2022, resigned amid bipartisan calls for her immediate departure. In her resignation letter, Cheatle stated, “I take full responsibility for the security lapse.”
Homeland Security Investigation
In the wake of the assassination attempt, the House Homeland Security Committee launched a full investigation into the incident. Subpoenas were issued to gather more information about the security failures that led to the breach.