The U.S. Secret Service, already facing scrutiny after two recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, is now under fire for its decision to send employees to an LGBTQ-focused event at Walt Disney World in Florida.
The Out & Equal Workplace Summit, scheduled from October 7-10, promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace, featuring breakout sessions, a gala, and other events aimed at fostering a sense of belonging, according to its website.
The agency’s participation in the summit has sparked criticism, especially given ongoing concerns about its ability to protect high-profile figures like Trump.
Recent reports revealed security lapses during a July 13 assassination attempt on the former president, which resulted in the death of a spectator, serious injuries to two others, and a minor injury to Trump.
A Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs report released Wednesday condemned the Secret Service’s handling of security during that event.
Despite these concerns, the Secret Service is moving forward with plans to send two staff members to the summit. An internal email, shared publicly, encouraged agents to nominate personnel to attend the event.
‼️‼️ EXCLUSIVE: The Secret Service's Office of Equity Diversity and Inclusion today at 11:09 a.m. ET sent out an agency-wide request (see email below) for nominees to attend an all-expense paid trip to an LGBTQ+ "Out and Equal" Workplace Summit at Disney World in Orlando Oct.… pic.twitter.com/7foQoFZag8
— Susan Crabtree (@susancrabtree) September 4, 2024
Conservative groups have expressed outrage, arguing that the agency should prioritize its core mission of protecting national leaders instead of participating in events unrelated to security.
Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project, criticized the decision, telling Fox News Digital, “With two assassination attempts on a former president in just two months, the agency’s readiness and competence are under scrutiny. Is this really the time to be sending staff to Disney World for a diversity summit?” Schilling also expressed frustration with the Secret Service’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, stating that the agency should be focusing on hiring the most qualified agents rather than prioritizing DEI principles. He added, “The last few months have shown that the Secret Service doesn’t need more nonbinary agents; it needs more ‘good’ agents.”
Concerns about the agency’s staffing levels are also growing.
The Secret Service is reportedly operating with 400 fewer employees than Congress has authorized, raising questions about its ability to meet its protective responsibilities effectively.
Schilling emphasized that personal characteristics such as sexual orientation should not be relevant to the agency’s mission.
“Sexual preferences should have no bearing on an agent’s ability to protect national leaders,” he said.
“Why is the Secret Service focusing so much time and resources on LGBTQ+ issues? This is a serious misstep that the agency needs to address.”
In response to the backlash, a Secret Service spokesperson told Fox News Digital that only administrative staff, not law enforcement personnel, would attend the summit.
The spokesperson clarified, “Two administrative staff members, responsible for federal special emphasis programs, are attending the 2024 Out & Equal Workplace Summit. These personnel are not involved in protective operations.”
As the Secret Service continues to grapple with criticism over its recent security failures and staffing challenges, its participation in the Florida event has further highlighted concerns about the agency’s priorities and resource allocation during a crucial time.
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