Former acting Secret Service Director Ron Rowe awarded himself a senior leadership bonus during the holiday season last December. Rowe, who previously served as the agency’s second-in-command, decided to grant himself this bonus after the attempted assassinations of President Trump last year. Despite a leadership change, Rowe stayed on as a “senior advisor,” utilizing his accumulated sick and leave time.
It’s common practice for the agency to award bonuses to senior executive leaders, often amounting to thousands of dollars. Rowe’s decision to grant himself a bonus came as he transitioned to a new role at the Chertoff Group, a national security consulting firm. This move follows former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle’s resignation after a tumultuous period.
Cheatle, who resigned in disgrace, did not receive a bonus as she was no longer with the agency by the end of the year. Her departure followed a near-fatal incident involving President Trump and the murder of rallygoer Corey Comperatore. The agency is now focused on preventing future morale issues among its ranks.
Agents who stayed with the Secret Service after the assassination attempts were promised retention bonuses. However, the first quarterly payment has faced significant delays, creating frustration among the staff. An email from USSS leadership reassured agents that their bonuses would be paid by the end of August.
This email was sent after inquiries from RealClearPolitics regarding the delay. The retention bonuses, when fully paid, will amount to tens of thousands of dollars for each eligible employee. The agency has begun disbursing funds alphabetically, but the process has been slow.
Curran, the new director, has pledged to complete the retention-bonus payments by the month’s end. A data-processing glitch, compounded by personnel cuts, caused the delay. Despite the setbacks, the bonuses are seen as vital to maintaining the agency’s workforce.
Congress provided an additional $231 million to address budget shortfalls and manpower issues after last year’s assassination attempts. The workload remains high, with recent visits from European leaders and preparations for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. The retention bonuses are critical in preventing further departures to other federal agencies.
Frustration among agents is palpable, with some sharing memes highlighting the delays. Concerns are growing that senior leaders’ bonuses were prioritized over those of rank-and-file agents. The agency has emphasized the importance of recruitment and retention in resolving these issues.
RealClearPolitics first highlighted the missing bonuses on August 5. At that time, an agency spokesman reiterated that bonuses would start to be paid on August 11. The spokesman assured employees that resolving the delay was a priority.
The delay in processing retention bonuses has highlighted broader issues within the agency. Despite the challenges, the leadership remains committed to addressing staffing concerns. Ensuring timely payments is crucial to boosting morale and maintaining operational efficiency.
Rowe’s transition to the Chertoff Group underscores the fluid nature of leadership within the agency. As the Secret Service continues to navigate these challenges, retaining experienced agents is more important than ever. The focus now is on restoring trust and stability within the ranks.
RealClearPolitics continues to monitor the situation, advocating for transparency and accountability. The agency’s response to these internal challenges will be closely watched. As the Secret Service moves forward, ensuring fair compensation for its agents remains a top priority.
