Kimberly Cheatle, the Director of the U.S. Secret Service, is facing intense scrutiny after revelations surfaced about how she landed her job. Sources indicate that First Lady Jill Biden's office played a significant role in Cheatle's appointment, leading to calls for her resignation.
Whether Cheatle was fully qualified for the position, and whether she hired people into the Secret Service who were also not qualified is the question.
"Is it acceptable that you have still not heard—at least publicly—from the Secret Service director?"
"Oh, I've heard from him!"
The Secret Service director is a woman named Kimberly Cheatle. Biden appointed her.pic.twitter.com/W2bKXhzbag
— Michael Knowles (@michaeljknowles) July 16, 2024
Cheatle, who has been with the Secret Service for over 25 years, was appointed in August 2022. Prior to this, she held a position as the senior director of global security at PepsiCo. Insiders reveal that Cheatle was well-liked by Jill Biden and her senior aides, particularly top advisor Anthony Bernal, who played a crucial role in her selection. Cheatle had previously served on Dr. Biden’s detail when she was the second lady, which further solidified her candidacy.Critics argue that Bernal’s lack of national security or law enforcement experience should have precluded his influence on such a critical appointment. The controversy surrounding Cheatle’s appointment has been exacerbated by a recent security lapse during a rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, managed to climb onto a roof approximately 130 yards from Trump’s location and opened fire, injuring Trump and two others while killing a rally-goer.
The incident has led to a public outcry, with many calling for Cheatle’s resignation. Critics have pointed to this security breach as evidence of a failure in leadership and protocol within the Secret Service. Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent, described the situation as a “catastrophic failure” and demanded that Cheatle step down.
Good morning, today is day 3 of asking why Kimberly Cheatle, the Director of the Secret Service hasn’t resigned yet after her massive failure and gross incompetence. pic.twitter.com/NoHSiSE1P0
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 15, 2024
Despite the criticism, some defend Cheatle’s professionalism and competence. President Biden, in his announcement of her appointment, praised Cheatle’s dedication and experience, noting that he and the First Lady had come to trust her judgment and counsel during her time on his security detail as Vice President.
The exact details of Cheatle’s appointment process remain unclear, including whether the Secret Service conducted a supplemental selection process or if the decision was made entirely within the White House. The incident in Butler has only intensified calls for transparency and accountability in the Secret Service’s leadership appointments.
Public reaction has been fierce, with many demanding Cheatle’s immediate resignation. Social media users have expressed their outrage, labeling the Secret Service a “DEI disaster” and criticizing the perceived prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices over security protocols.
As Cheatle prepares to brief Congress on the security lapse, the pressure mounts for answers and potential changes in the agency’s leadership. The future of Cheatle’s role as the Secret Service Director hangs in the balance as both the public and political figures demand accountability.
“The exact details of Cheatle’s appointment process remain unclear.” Maybe old Joe thought he was appointing Don Cheadle.