Donald Trump is reportedly looking to bring some seasoned muscle into the United States Secret Service, a move that follows a series of spectacular security flops that left many scratching their heads—or facepalming—in disbelief. The agency’s inability to thwart a July assassination attempt on the president-elect during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has turned into a perfect storm of controversy. The incident apparently culminated in the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle, a longtime pal of Jill Biden. This resignation was the cherry on top of what could only be described as a security blunder of epic proportions, triggering bipartisan outrage among those who believe protecting the nation’s leaders should be a no-brainer.
Now, who better to take the reins of a beleaguered agency than Dan Bongino? The former Secret Service agent and current conservative commentator is on Trump’s radar for the critical leadership role. Bongino is not just another talking head, he’s been a vocal critic of the current agency’s handling—or lack thereof—of Trump’s safety. It seems fitting that Trump would look to someone who knows both the inner workings of the Secret Service and possesses the guts to call out its shortcomings. Given the agency’s recent track record, it’s clear a shake-up is long overdue.
CNN: Trump considering "right-wing personality" Dan Bongino for Secret Service Director.
(He was a Secret Service agent for over a decade) pic.twitter.com/ddtb2OK09d
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) November 20, 2024
There are murmurs that other familiar faces are also in the mix, such as Sean Curran, who is currently overseeing Trump’s security detail. Meanwhile, acting director Ronald Rowe, unable to catch a break, has been unsuccessful in getting a meeting with Trump. Talk about bad luck for someone needing a serious facelift in leadership. Other contenders include Robert Engel, who has been attributed with heroic deeds on January 6, serving faithfully and then subsequently testifying about the events surrounding that day’s chaos. It’s almost like picking names out of a hat at this point, except the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As details of the potential shortlist swirl, it’s hard not to chuckle at the media response. CNN, in their typical fashion, chose the most outrageous headline imaginable, painting Bongino as some kind of fringe character rather than a seasoned professional with insider knowledge. This reaction has only solidified the mantra that “CNN sucks” remains a national pastime, a scorecard for those who prefer journalistic precision over sensationalist drivel. The network clearly missed the memo that conservative figures aren’t all boogeymen lurking in the shadows; some have genuine credentials and a keen awareness of what needs fixing.
The truth is, the future of the Secret Service hangs in the balance. With persistent allegations of security lapses and unanswered questions about safety protocols, Trump’s choice for director will make waves that could finalize the agency’s reputation for decades to come. If anyone can steer the ship back on course, it’s someone like Bongino—an agent turned commentator who’s well-acquainted with both the rigors of physical security and the modern media circus that surrounds it. So, while the handwringing continues in the mainstream media, Trump appears poised to head into this battle with exactly the kind of firepower the agency desperately needs—a good defense against the leftist narrative and a strong commitment to the protection of democracy.