Secret Service Director Resigns Following Trump’s Near Assassination

Last updated on August 7th, 2024 at 04:27 pm

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned her post on Tuesday, July 23, amid pressure for her removal after former President Donald Trump was nearly assassinated on July 13.

Cheatle offered her resignation on her own terms, a day after several lawmakers called for her resignation during a House Oversight Committee hearing.

“In light of recent events, it is with a heavy heart that, I have made the difficult decision to step down as your Director,” Cheatle said in an emailed memo to agency staff.

By Monday, the calls for her resignation had become bipartisan. Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) went even further, announcing an article of impeachment to remove her by other means.

“We remain an organization based on integrity and staffed by individuals of exceptional dedication and talent. As I’ve stated, the Secret Service will move forward with our investigatory and protective mission in a steadfast manner. We do not retreat from challenge,” Cheatle’s resignation letter states. “However, I do not want my calls for resignation to be a distraction from the great work each and every one of you do towards our vital mission.”

The Secret Service director concludes her resignation letter stating the men and women of the agency “are worthy of trust and confidence” and deserve the support of the nation.

President Joe Biden’s White House issued a statement thanking Cheatle for her service shortly after the resignation letter went out.

“As a leader, it takes honor, courage, and incredible integrity to take full responsibility for an organization tasked with one of the most challenging jobs in public service,”the presidential statement reads. “The independent review to get to the bottom of what happened on July 13 continues, and I look forward to assessing its conclusions. We all know what happened that day can never happen again. As we move forward, I wish Kim all the best, and I will plan to appoint a new Director soon.”