Lawmakers Call for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle’s Resignation After Trump Assassination Attempt

Kimberly Cheatle was sworn in as the 27th Director of the U.S. Secret Service on September 17, 2022. She leads a diverse team of over 7,800 personnel, including Special Agents and Officers, focusing on both protection and investigations.

Before becoming the Director, Cheatle worked as Senior Director for Global Security at PepsiCo, where she was responsible for security protocols in North America and developing risk management strategies. Her career with the U.S. Secret Service spans 27 years, with her last role being Assistant Director of the Office of Protective Operations. In this role, she managed a $133.5 million budget and collaborated with several divisions to reduce risks to protectees and facilities.

Cheatle has also served as Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office, overseeing investigations and protective visits in Georgia. She was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in February 2016, leading the James J. Rowley Training Center and later serving as Deputy Assistant Director for the Office of Training.

During a recent House Oversight Committee hearing, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers called for Cheatle’s resignation following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The attempt resulted in one death and three injuries, including Trump. Lawmakers criticized Cheatle for security lapses and lack of transparency. Despite taking responsibility for the failures, she declined to resign, asserting her suitability to lead the Secret Service during this time. The hearing was tense, with lawmakers expressing frustration over her responses and handling of the incident. Some members even questioned her honesty and competence, while others suggested impeachment or firing her for the perceived lack of accountability. Local residents and eyewitnesses were also dissatisfied with Cheatle’s answers, feeling she was not taking adequate responsibility for the security failures.