Elon Musk’s critique of the Secret Service agents’ physical stature sparked a debate on their effectiveness. However, former President Trump strongly defended the female agent who protected him during a shooting at a rally and praised her bravery despite harsh online criticism.
Trump Defends Secret Service Agent
In a rally in St. Cloud, Minnesota, former President Trump defended a female Secret Service agent who shielded him during an assassination attempt. He recalled the chaos as bullets flew, emphasizing her bravery despite online criticism.
Heroism Amid Bullets
Trump highlighted the agent’s swift actions, noting how she protected him with all her might. Despite her courage, she faced backlash for her height, which critics claimed made her ineffective.
Facing Criticism
The former president praised the agent’s willingness to take a bullet for him, describing her as incredibly brave. Yet, detractors focused on her physical stature rather than her heroism.
Online Backlash
After the Butler, Pennsylvania, incident, the agent received harsh comments from both online pundits and some Trump supporters. Critics accused her of being unqualified due to her gender.
Conservative Commentary
Conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza criticized the Secret Service’s diversity efforts, linking them to the agent’s perceived ineffectiveness. He argued that diversity initiatives compromised the quality of protection.
Calls for Exclusivity
Podcaster Matt Walsh expressed that women should not serve in the Secret Service. He claimed that employing women meant passing over more qualified men, suggesting a compromise in the agency’s effectiveness.
Musk Criticizes Agent Size
Elon Musk argued that Secret Service agents must be “large enough” to adequately protect their subjects. He likened having a small bodyguard for a large individual to an undersized Speedo, emphasizing the need for proper coverage.
Secret Service Under Fire
Following the security lapses at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Secret Service faced increased scrutiny. Thomas Matthew Crooks’ ability to open fire highlighted significant flaws in their protocols.
Leadership Change
Kimberly Cheatle resigned as Secret Service director amid bipartisan pressure after the incident. She acknowledged the security failure and accepted full responsibility in her resignation letter.
Congressional Investigation
The attempted assassination prompted the House Homeland Security Committee to launch a full investigation. Subpoenas were issued to uncover the details of the security breach and prevent future lapses.
