Rep. Mike Waltz has called for significant changes in the U.S. Secret Service's allocation of resources following two recent assassination attempts targeting former President Donald Trump. Waltz, a member of the House Assassination Attempt Task Force, is urging a shift in focus and prioritization of security measures.

Waltz’s proposal includes reforms to leadership and protocols -- and even the removal and reallocation of resources -- to better protect Trump as he continues to face credible threats while campaigning for the 2024 presidential election, as the Daily Mail reports.

The first attempt occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, where Trump was shot and injured. This incident also resulted in the death of one of Trump's supporters and injuries to two others.

The suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was arrested following the attack. The Secret Service faced harsh criticism for their handling of the situation, leading to the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle, then the director of the Secret Service.

Calls for Reallocation of Resources Amid Increasing Threats

The second assassination attempt took place in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15. The assailant, Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was shot at by a Secret Service agent before fleeing the scene.

Routh was later arrested, but the incident raised further concerns over the effectiveness of the Secret Service's protective measures for Trump, who is actively campaigning as the Republican nominee for the 2024 election.

In response to these threats, Waltz is calling for the Secret Service to adopt a more threat-based security model. He specifically questioned the current allocation of resources, pointing out that former President Jimmy Carter, who is currently in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, is still receiving significant protection despite being at low risk.

Waltz Questions Leadership and Pushes for Change

Waltz has expressed skepticism about increasing funding for the Secret Service without first seeing meaningful changes in leadership and protocols. “You don't get to have these type of spectacular, once in a generation failures and then say, 'Well, I need more money,’” Waltz told CNN, underscoring his frustration with the current state of affairs within the agency.

He proposed three key actions: fixing the protocols that govern the Secret Service's protective measures, holding leadership accountable for recent failures, and shifting to a security model that allocates resources based on the actual level of threat faced by individuals under protection.

Pushback on Additional Funding Without Reforms

Waltz’s concerns also include how taxpayer dollars are being spent to protect individuals like former President Carter, whose need for a robust protective detail has diminished. “Trump's security shouldn't be the same as Jimmy Carter's!” Waltz said, emphasizing the need to rethink how resources are distributed based on risk.

Although Congress is considering allocating more funds to the Secret Service, Waltz insists that these changes should come first. “I'm open to more resources for the Secret Service, but let's see some REAL changes FIRST,” Waltz said, making clear his stance on the issue.

Director Resigns Amid Scrutiny Over Butler Incident

The pressure on the Secret Service has intensified since the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle following the Butler rally incident. Cheatle’s departure has left Ronald Rowe as the acting director of the agency, who now faces the daunting task of addressing the flaws in the system and restoring public confidence.

Waltz, along with the House Assassination Attempt Task Force, is pushing for Rowe and the remaining leadership to act quickly to implement the proposed reforms. As Trump’s 2024 campaign moves forward, the threats against him remain a critical issue for the Secret Service and the safety of those attending his events.

Security Failures Spur Debate on Secret Service Strategy

The two assassination attempts, just months apart, have sparked a national debate about the adequacy of the Secret Service’s security protocols and the prioritization of its resources.

The agency, which has traditionally provided lifelong protection to former U.S. presidents, is now being urged to reassess its strategies in light of new and emerging threats.

For Waltz and others, the focus must shift toward protecting individuals who are at the highest risk of harm. With Trump at the center of a highly contested election and continuing to face credible threats, many believe that the Secret Service must make substantial changes to prevent further incidents.

Conclusion: Waltz Calls for Reforms Before Additional Funding

In light of recent assassination attempts and growing concerns over the Secret Service’s resource allocation, Rep. Mike Waltz has become a prominent voice in advocating for reform. His proposals to fix protocols, hold leadership accountable, and adopt a threat-based security model reflect a broader call for change in the agency.

While Congress considers appropriating more funds to the Secret Service, Waltz has made it clear that these changes must come first. The security of high-profile figures like Donald Trump is now in the spotlight, with many watching to see whether the agency can adapt to the evolving challenges it faces.