According to sources familiar with President-elect Donald Trump’s thinking, he is considering appointing a right-wing media personality and individuals who have served on his US Secret Service detail to run the agency. This decision comes after the agency’s failure to prevent two alleged assassination attempts on Trump earlier this summer.
Former Secret Service agent and podcaster Dan Bongino, who has been vocal about his criticism of the agency’s leadership during security failures related to alleged attempts on Trump’s life, is being considered for the job. Also in the running is Sean Curran, the head of Trump’s current security detail.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe made an unsuccessful attempt to schedule a meeting with Trump this week.
Robert Engel, the former head of Trump’s detail who was present with him on January 6, 2021, and provided testimony to the House select committee regarding the former president’s speech at the Ellipse that preceded the US Capitol attack, is also among the potential picks.
As President-elect Trump continues to announce his selections for key positions in his incoming administration, the appointment of a new director for the Secret Service takes on great significance. This decision holds personal importance for Trump and will shape the future of the agency.
The agency has been under the leadership of Rowe for the past few months. Rowe took over after Director Kimberly Cheatle’s sudden departure in July, following the Trump assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. The agency’s morale is low, and its workforce is exhausted from the intense 2024 campaign season.
Rowe has made structural changes in the agency and supervised the increase in security for the former president in the final months of the campaign.
Members of Congress and an independent review panel established by the Department of Homeland Security have both expressed the need for a thorough overhaul of the Secret Service. They believe that bringing in an outsider who can refocus the agency on its primary objective of protection would be beneficial.
Bongino, a strong supporter of Trump, strongly criticized Cheatle, accusing her of prioritizing politics over protecting the president and claiming that she lacked the necessary qualifications.
During a recent podcast, Bongino revealed that he has not engaged in any official discussions regarding the position.
After serving for over ten years in the Secret Service, Bongino received high praise from colleagues who regarded him as an exceptional agent.
Some individuals within the agency have pointed out that Bongino and the other potential candidates lack administrative experience. Nonetheless, this has not stopped Trump from making unconventional selections in the past, such as appointing former Rep. Matt Gaetz to lead the Justice Department.
According to a source familiar with Trump’s thinking, Curran’s close and trusted relationship with the President could potentially pose a challenge for him. It is possible that Trump would want Curran to continue serving as the head of his protection during the initial years of his administration.
Engel and Tony Ornato, a former Secret Service Assistant Director, emerged as crucial figures in the House January 6 committee’s investigation. This came after Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide, testified that Ornato informed her about an incident where Trump allegedly lunged at Engel. This occurred after Trump was told that he could not go to the Capitol following his speech at the Ellipse.
Engel, when questioned by the committee, stated that he couldn’t remember the conversation mentioned by Hutchinson and claimed that he also couldn’t recall Trump gesturing towards him. Similarly, Ornato, when asked by the committee, stated that he had no recollection of the incident or sharing the story with Hutchinson.
According to a source familiar with the discussions, Ornato informed Trump’s transition team that he was not interested in the position of Secret Service director.