Former US President Donald Trump came to the defence of a female Secret Service agent who faced rebuke online after her role in shielding him during an assassination attempt. Addressing a campaign rally in Minnesota on Saturday, Trump praised the agent’s bravery and condemned the criticism she received.
During the rally, Trump recounted the July 13 incident in Butler, Pennsylvania, where an assailant opened fire at his event. “I don’t know how they didn’t get hit,” Trump said, describing how “bullets were flying” and his security detail acted swiftly to protect him. He underlined the female agent on his right, who was “shielding me” despite the danger.
Many have criticized the shorter female agentTonight Donald Trump praised her
“She was so brave she was shielding me with everything she wanted to take a bullet” pic.twitter.com/SZXcO8F0MQ
— Chris Carapezza (@Chris_Carapezza) July 28, 2024
‘She was so brave’
She was so brave, she wanted to take a bullet,” Trump added. He noted that the agent was unfairly criticised because she was not tall enough, a fact he vehemently refuted. The criticism of the agent sparked a heated debate online. Conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza criticised the Secret Service’s push for more female recruits, alleging it was part of a diversity and inclusion initiative.
He wrote on X that the increase in female agents was an attempt to meet a 30% diversity goal, suggesting it compromised effectiveness. Similarly, podcaster Matt Walsh argued that the Secret Service should not employ women in such high-stakes roles, claiming that women are less qualified for the job. Walsh’s comments suggested that a more qualified male agent was overlooked.
Female secret service agents who are appointed for Trump 2024 election campaigns they almost struggles to holster her weapon. Another is playing with her sunglasses. pic.twitter.com/SmqD6yE2M4— Real Mac Report (@RealMacReport) July 15, 2024
The US Secret Service faced increased scrutiny following the security breach that allowed the Trump shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, to get dangerously close to the stage where Trump was speaking. Tesla CEO Elon Musk also weighed in, suggesting that agents must be “large enough” to protect their charges. Musk likened the situation to an undersized Speedo, arguing that bodyguards need to be physically imposing to shield high-profile individuals.
The security lapse led to the resignation of US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who took full responsibility for the failure. Cheatle’s resignation came amid bipartisan calls for her to step down. In response to the security lapse, the House Homeland Security Committee has launched a full investigation and issued subpoenas to examine the incident.
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