In a recent statement, former President Trump pointed fingers at Democrats and the Biden administration for alleged staffing shortages within the Secret Service, which he claims are impacting his campaign events. During a rally in Wisconsin, Trump was forced to relocate due to these purported issues, which he attributes to political interference.
Trump took to Truth Social to express his frustrations, alleging that President Biden and Vice President Harris are “interfering” with his ability to hold large gatherings by prioritizing their own security needs. He criticized their utilization of Secret Service resources, suggesting they are not warranted due to their relatively low public attendance. “They draw ’flies’ because they have no crowds,” Trump stated, also referencing a recent intelligence briefing that highlighted threats against him, including from Iran.
In his posts, Trump emphasized the urgency of increasing Secret Service personnel, claiming, “We need more Secret Service, and we need them NOW.” He expressed concern over the impact on his supporters, stating that many were turned away from venues due to insufficient security measures.
While the White House has yet to respond to Trump’s accusations, both Biden and Harris reached out to the former president after a recent assassination attempt against him. Biden has previously acknowledged that the Secret Service requires additional resources.
The Secret Service has confirmed that Trump is receiving “heightened levels” of protection, but operational details remain undisclosed. Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi mentioned that the agency is stretched thin, particularly with the added responsibility of securing the United Nations General Assembly, which attracted 140 world leaders.
The agency has faced scrutiny following two assassination attempts against Trump, including one during a Pennsylvania rally and another incident at his Florida golf club. In response, the House recently passed a bill aimed at enhancing security for the former president.
As discussions continue in Congress regarding potential funding increases for the Secret Service, opinions are divided. Some leaders advocate for additional resources, while others, including Speaker Mike Johnson, argue that the issue may be more about resource allocation than funding itself.