Former Secret Service agent and radio host Dan Bongino has raised serious concerns about the current state of the Secret Service, predicting that another major “incident” could occur, potentially worse than the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
In a recent forum hosted by the Heritage Foundation, Bongino suggested that the agency has deteriorated since the attempt on Trump’s life, even under the leadership of interim Secret Service Director Ronald L. Rowe Jr.
The July 13 event, which led to the resignation of former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, has prompted increased scrutiny of the agency.
Rowe’s appointment as interim director has not eased concerns for Bongino, who has frequently criticized the upper ranks of the agency for being either corrupt or incompetent.
Responding to a question from Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) during the forum, Bongino bluntly stated, “No, it’s worse,” when asked if the agency had improved under Rowe’s leadership.
Bongino, who also served as a New York City police officer, warned that the problems within the agency are far from over, predicting that “something else” will happen, though he added, “I pray to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ that I’m wrong.” He emphasized that anyone thinking the July 13 attempt would be the last such incident is “out of your mind.”
One of Bongino’s key criticisms revolves around the agency’s priorities. He cited whistleblower reports that Rowe was preoccupied with superficial concerns, such as the color of agents’ ties, which allegedly suggested support for Trump. “This is the kind of stuff the Secret Service was actually wasting their time with,” Bongino said, questioning the leadership of an agency he once proudly served.
The July 13 assassination attempt has sparked ongoing investigations and whistleblower revelations.
During the Heritage Foundation forum, which featured several Republican members of Congress, including Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) and Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), as well as security experts such as Erik Prince, former Navy SEAL and founder of Blackwater, and Ben Shaffer, a Washington regional SWAT operator involved in the event’s security, video footage was shown depicting the crowd’s attempts to warn law enforcement about Thomas Crooks, the 20-year-old shooter.
These warnings reportedly went unheeded before Crooks opened fire.
Additionally, new whistleblower testimony has come forward, adding further concerns about the agency’s handling of Trump’s security.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) revealed in an interview with Fox News host Jesse Watters that the lead advance agent overseeing Trump’s trip to Pennsylvania had failed one or more of her training exams when she joined the Secret Service.
This agent, despite known deficiencies, was allegedly placed in charge of Trump’s security, leading to questions about the agency’s decision-making process.
Hawley criticized the agency for its staffing decisions, particularly under Cheatle’s leadership, who reportedly prioritized increasing female representation within the Secret Service.
“This woman fails maybe once, maybe twice, maybe more, and it doesn’t matter. Cheatle still makes her in charge of the protective site detail for Butler, knowing that there was an Iranian threat,” Hawley said.
The senator’s revelations have only deepened concerns about the competence and priorities of the Secret Service, raising serious questions about the agency’s ability to protect high-profile figures in the future.
