Trump Secret Service Scandal Exposed

The U.S. Secret Service reportedly denied multiple requests for extra support from President Trump’s security detail during his campaign, according to a new Senate report examining last year’s assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The report, released by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, highlights a pattern of communication breakdowns and negligence that culminated in the tragic death of rally attendee Corey Comperatore. Comperatore, a fire chief, was fatally shot while protecting his family as Trump addressed the crowd.

The incident prompted a comprehensive review of Secret Service protocols, revealing lapses in security planning, coordination, and technology. Since the shooting, both lawmakers and the agency have acknowledged critical flaws in preparation and execution.

Senator Rand Paul, who chairs the committee behind the report, publicly criticized former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. On CBS News, he stated that Cheatle misled Congress when she claimed that no requests for security resources were denied. The report cites internal documents showing that at least 10 such requests from the Trump campaign’s security team were either denied or went unfulfilled. These included appeals for counter-sniper personnel and anti-drone systems.

While no formal written denial was found for counter-drone coverage at the Butler rally, a Secret Service agent confirmed during an interview that a verbal denial had been issued over the phone by a technical security officer. This claim was backed by documentation obtained by the committee.

Senator Paul described the situation as indicative of a “cultural cover-up” within the agency, pointing to systemic failures rather than isolated errors. The report is based on 17 transcribed interviews with Secret Service staff and underscores that, prior to the attack, there was no standardized process for submitting or responding to security resource requests.

Documents reveal a pattern where certain requests were routinely denied, ignored, or shifted to local or federal law enforcement for fulfillment. The lack of accountability has raised further concerns, especially given that six Secret Service agents were suspended but no one was terminated as a result of the incident.

Following the attempt on Trump’s life, former Director Cheatle resigned amid bipartisan criticism. A separate House investigation later concluded the attack was preventable.

Senator Paul, in a formal statement, stressed the need for greater accountability. He noted that the identities of the suspended agents were only disclosed after the committee issued a subpoena, calling the agency’s transparency into question. “This wasn’t just one mistake. It was a complete failure across the board,” Paul said. He added that had proper measures been taken, Comperatore might still be alive today.