In a recent rally held in St. Cloud, Minnesota, former President Trump passionately defended a female Secret Service agent who had been subjected to harsh online criticism following an assassination attempt.
The agent, whose identity remains undisclosed, had been part of the security detail that shielded Trump when bullets started flying.
According to Fox News, Trump addressed thousands of supporters, recounting the harrowing incident. "I dont know how they didnt get hit," he said, praising the swift response of his security detail. He singled out the female agent who was at his right, saying, "Beautiful person she was shielding me, everything she could. And she got crushed. And she got criticized by the fake news because she wasnt tall enough."
The former president lauded the agent's bravery, emphasizing her willingness to risk her life for his safety. "She was so brave, she was shielding me with everything, she wanted to take a bullet, because the bullets were flying. Incredible," he said.
The assassination attempt, which took place on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, sparked a wave of criticism targeting the female agent. Critics, including Trump donors and online pundits, questioned her suitability for the role.
Conservative commentator Dinesh D'Souza, in a post-incident critique, wrote, "Watch these female agents who have no clue what to do, or what they are doing." He linked the incident to the Secret Service's diversity and inclusion efforts, which aim to increase the number of female recruits to 30%.
Podcaster Matt Walsh echoed D'Souza's sentiments, arguing that the Secret Service should be an all-male domain. "There should not be any women in the Secret Service. These are supposed to be the very best, and none of the very best at this job are women," he posted.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also weighed in, suggesting that Secret Service agents should be "large enough" to adequately protect their subjects. "Having a small person as body cover for a large man is like an undersized Speedo at the beach doesnt cover the subject," he wrote.
The incident has brought the Secret Service under intense scrutiny, particularly for the security lapses that allowed Thomas Matthew Crooks to open fire at the Trump rally. The agency's director, Kimberly Cheatle, resigned in the wake of bipartisan calls for her to step down.
"I take full responsibility for the security lapse," Cheatle stated in her resignation letter. "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 since launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, issuing subpoenas as part of their inquiry. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those tasked with protecting high-profile individuals and the ongoing debates surrounding diversity and inclusion within such roles.
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