Conservatives are decrying Secret Service Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies as footage from the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump is increasingly scrutinized.
President Trump was nearly killed in what has been largely criticized as an unacceptable lapse of security on the Secret Service’s part.
As more videos and camera angles of the frantic minutes during and after the shooting emerge, some conservatives are claiming DEI policies have visibly deteriorated the secret service’s protection.
Namely, videos have revealed female Secret Service agents seemingly confused and in distress while male agents rushed to protect Trump and ferry him offstage.
Watching the ladies at work here. pic.twitter.com/ySuIw78VfR
— Sharyl Attkisson 🕵️♂️💼🥋 (@SharylAttkisson) July 14, 2024
Other photos show female agents crouching behind male agents to protect themselves from potential additional shots.
Republican lawmaker Tim Burchett (R-TN) blamed Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle for the protection debacle, claiming her DEI policies lead to the shooting.
The shooting “is what happens when you don’t put the best players in,” said Representative Burchett.
Director Cheatle has proudly infused the Secret Service with numerous DEI initiatives.
“That achievement in a male-dominated industry was not lost on me,” said Cheatle said in an interview. “I kept a photo on my desk of the first five women sworn into the service, and I used that to remind me that these women created opportunities for me and I can help others grow and lead as well.”
Another interview with Cheatle underscored her goal of “attracting diverse candidates” and converting 30% of the Secret Service into women.
Entry-level Secret Service fitness standards are lower for women than men, which, after last weekend’s debacle, has raised questions as to their ability to serve.
Other areas of concern include the Secret Service’s DEI and Accessibility Program, which boasts Affirmative-Action style employment programs to recruit minority and women agents.
Cheatle is expected to testify before Republican lawmakers on July 22nd.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) announced the same last Saturday.
“THE HOUSE WILL CONDUCT A FULL INVESTIGATION OF THE TRAGIC EVENTS TODAY,” said Johnson. “The American people deserve to know the truth. We will have Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and other appropriate officials from DHS and the FBI appear for a hearing before our committees ASAP.”
