According to Fox News, former President Donald Trump has publicly defended a female Secret Service agent who shielded him during a recent assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The agent has faced significant online criticism for not being tall enough, which spurred Trump to offer his support amidst a flurry of controversial commentary.
The incident occurred on July 13 during a public appearance by Trump. The female Secret Service agent, whose name has not been disclosed, placed herself between the former president and the assailant, drawing praise and criticism.
Trump spoke about the incident at a rally in St. Cloud. “I don’t know how they didn’t get hit. Bullets were flying,” he said, praising the bravery of the agent. “She was shielding me with everything she could. And she got crushed. And she got criticized by the fake news because she wasn’t tall enough.”
Despite her heroism, the female agent drew criticism on social media. Dinesh D'Souza, a conservative commentator, took to X to express his disapproval of female agents, stating that they have “no clue what to do.” He went on to criticize the Secret Service’s attempts to increase female recruitment as an example of diversity initiatives gone wrong.
Matt Walsh, a podcaster, joined the criticism, asserting that “none of the very best at this job are women.” He argued that having women in the Secret Service implies that more qualified men are being overlooked for these vital roles.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also commented on X, indirectly referencing the incident by questioning the size requirements for bodyguards.
“Having a small person as body cover for a large man is like an undersized Speedo at the beach—doesn’t cover the subject,” Musk said, emphasizing the need for adequate physical attributes, regardless of gender.
In the wake of the incident, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle stepped down, taking full responsibility for what she described as a "security lapse."
In her resignation letter, she stated, “I take full responsibility for the security lapse. In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that I have made the difficult decision to step down as your director.”
The House Homeland Security Committee has launched a full investigation into the incident in Butler, Pennsylvania. They have issued subpoenas as part of their inquiry into the security breakdown that allowed for the assassination attempt to occur.
Trump continued to support his agent, reiterating her actions and bravery during a rally. “She was so brave, she wanted to take a bullet,” he said, lambasting the "fake news" for their criticism based on her height. He emphasized her dedication and willingness to protect him despite the fierce criticism she faced.
The assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, spurred a national conversation on the role and capabilities of female Secret Service agents. Trump's support for his agent brought attention to the criticisms she faced, including those from prominent conservatives Dinesh D'Souza and Matt Walsh. Elon Musk’s comments on bodyguard size requirements added another layer to the debate, which culminated in the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
