In an unprecedented move, President Joe Biden has authorized Secret Service protection for the agency’s former director, Kimberly Cheatle.

Following her resignation in the wake of security breaches and an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, Cheatle has been granted protective detail, thanks to Biden’s order, as RealClearPolitics reports.

Last month, Cheatle stepped down as the director of the Secret Service amid controversies surrounding lapses that facilitated the assassination attempt on Trump. These lapses also tragically led to the death of firefighter Corey Comperatore.

The Secret Service, typically tasked with protecting current dignitaries, has now extended its services to a former director. This decision comes as Cheatle faces intense scrutiny and threats, especially notable on various social media platforms.

This protective measure is financed by taxpayer money, a directive issued directly from the Oval Office in response to the growing threats against Cheatle.

Security Detail Extended Amid Public Criticism

Cheatle’s tenure with the Secret Service was notably intertwined with the Biden family, as she previously served on the vice-presidential security detail before being appointed director, reportedly with the support of first lady Jill Biden.

The Secret Service, adhering to its policy, has refused to discuss specifics about Cheatle’s security arrangements. The agency’s spokesperson, Anthony Guglielmi, stated, “We do not comment on former Secret Service employees or matters of protective intelligence.”

The reaction to Cheatle’s protective detail has been mixed, with some bipartisan criticism pointing to ridicule directed at the former agency head in online memes and discussions following the failed assassination attempt.

Comparative Security Decisions Raise Questions

The incident has sparked a broader debate on the criteria for extending protection. Previously, figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien faced significant delays in receiving Secret Service protection despite evident threats.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas highlighted this issue by stating, “In light of this weekend’s events, the president has directed me to work with the Secret Service to provide protection to Robert Kennedy Jr.” This was only actioned after the heightened threat post-Trump assassination attempt.

Rep. Mike Turner has criticized the inconsistent provision of security details, especially in light of active threats against high-profile figures. He argued, “It’s a dangerous precedent to set, to not extend a former National Security adviser’s protective detail while there are active threats against his life, especially in a growing threat environment.”

Secret Service Under Scrutiny for Operational Decisions

The discussions around protection protocols have intensified. Acting Director Ron Rowe addressed these issues in a recent conference call with the agency, stating, “We can no longer operate with that mindset. We can no longer wear our people down.”

There is ongoing speculation about whether Cheatle remains on the payroll of the Department of Homeland Security, despite her resignation. The Secret Service has occasionally kept former top officials on the payroll under specific conditions, such as former deputy director Alvin Smith.

The broader implications of these protective measures and administrative decisions are still unfolding, as the agency faces both public scrutiny and internal reassessment of its security protocols.

Reevaluating Security Measures in Changing Times

The Secret Service's unprecedented decision to extend a protective detail to a former director has stirred discussions on security, accountability, and the appropriate use of taxpayer funds in the realm of national security.

The controversy surrounding Cheatle’s protection reflects deeper questions about security protocols and the criteria for extending Secret Service protection to former officials and other high-risk individuals.

This case has potentially set new precedents in how protection is extended and the implications for security protocols in a volatile political climate.

In conclusion, the decision to provide Secret Service protection to former director Kimberly Cheatle has sparked a national debate over security measures, the use of taxpayer money, and the responsibilities of public officials in maintaining national security. The ongoing scrutiny of the Secret Service’s actions and the public’s reaction underscore the complexity of protecting high-profile individuals in an increasingly divisive environment.