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The Secret Service recently conducted an extensive review following a security lapse during a presidential visit that nearly resulted in a tragedy. In a bipartisan discussion on “Face the Nation,” Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Jason Crow (D-CO) shared their insights on what contributed to this incident and how it could have been prevented.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you for joining us. The Secret Service’s self-reflection on the events of July 13, which threatened Donald Trump’s safety, highlighted gaps in diligence and communication. The agency accepted responsibility, leading to the director’s resignation. What additional insights do you have regarding this situation?
REP. KELLY: Well, I have a personal connection to Butler. Looking back, I think the chosen venue was less than ideal for such a large event. Previously, it attracted around 50,000 attendees, but the location we used was challenging for security operations. I believe the Secret Service could have guided the campaign team to a more manageable venue given their expertise. The fact that local law enforcement was not adequately engaged in the planning process contributed to the chaos. In short, the lack of preparation, coordination, and particularly communication were significant red flags that day.
REP. CROW: My experience in Congress has shown that while agencies review operational failures, they often neglect structural issues or the cultural environment within which they operate. We examined whether the Secret Service is appropriately organized and resourced. Notably, incidents on the ground revealed a concerning culture that silences individual agents, which is troubling. Take, for instance, the drone incident. They had a functioning drone; however, it was underutilized due to a lack of training and communication. In a high-stakes situation, such oversights can have dire consequences.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Why would such critical issues not be communicated among officers? Does a culture of silence persist where employees fear repercussions for speaking up?
REP. CROW: That appears to be the case. The aviation industry has a culture where any crew member can voice safety concerns without fear. This principle should apply to agencies like the Secret Service as well, yet it did not seem to be the case during the Butler incident. How do we cultivate an environment where officers can express concerns about security threats?
MARGARET BRENNAN: That’s a challenging problem to tackle.
REP. CROW: Indeed, it is.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Congressman Kelly, this management issue seems prevalent beyond the Secret Service. The current acting director has stressed the need for identifying and promoting capable leaders. Would you agree this is a broader concern?
REP. KELLY: That’s true. Identifying and fostering talent is essential across all roles, including leadership. Yet we must also consider where to find such talent and how to nurture it effectively. During preparations for the event, I saw a severe lack of coordination. Local police were not properly included in the planning, leading to confusion during the event. Their response times were hindered by poor communication and the split command structure.
REP. CROW: Leadership development is indeed a systemic issue for the Secret Service, akin to challenges observed in military organizations. In the context of sustained high operational demand, personnel miss vital training and leadership opportunities. Our agents are dedicated professionals but systemic problems hinder their effectiveness.
MARGARET BRENNAN: The agency is actively looking to hire more personnel, but building a competent team takes time. Can the current structure support their new responsibilities?
REP. CROW: The Secret Service faces long-term and short-term challenges. The immediate need is to secure skilled personnel. However, it takes years to prepare a new recruit for presidential security. Hence, we must look for additional resources and technology to enhance our current capabilities.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Within your report, you suggested reducing the scope of protectees. Should the Secret Service continue to protect such a wide array of individuals?
REP. KELLY: This requires careful consideration. The expansive list of protectees has outgrown the agency’s capacity to ensure adequate protection. The agency must focus on its primary mission: safeguarding elected officials without compromising other responsibilities.
REP. CROW: I agree. If certain secondary missions hinder the agency’s core functions, it may be time to reevaluate priorities.
MARGARET BRENNAN: After the Butler incident, Trump commented positively on the Secret Service’s immediate response. Do you think he will support the recommendations being proposed?
REP. KELLY: I witnessed the Secret Service agents act decisively to protect the president that day. Their readiness was commendable despite the failure in communication and coordination. That said, the lack of infrastructure severely hampered their efforts. Immediate protective actions should have been supported by better overall management.
MARGARET BRENNAN: There have been ongoing investigations into the shooters from both incidents. You mentioned frustrations about the lack of information coming from the DOJ and FBI. Why is that the case?
REP. CROW: Our investigation was comprehensive, but we were denied access to critical insights regarding the shooters’ motivations, affiliations, and backgrounds. This lack of transparency breeds distrust and speculation. All we sought was information to better understand the events and restore confidence in our institutions, yet we’re met with resistance.
MARGARET BRENNAN: There appears to be a critical need for a better reporting relationship between Congress and the intelligence agencies. What will it take to facilitate greater transparency?
REP. KELLY: Building trust is essential. The perception that agencies are withholding information leads to paranoia. We must work collaboratively to ensure that oversight does not become adversarial.
REP. CROW: Accountability is crucial for enhancing public confidence in our institutions. We have categorized challenges and solutions, emphasizing the significance of maintaining operational effectiveness while securing the necessary resources. Transparency is imperative in addressing public concerns.
MARGARET BRENNAN: As we conclude, what are your final thoughts on the challenges facing the Secret Service?
REP. KELLY: The trust between the American public and the Secret Service is crucial. They operate under constant pressure to ensure safety and security and must be prepared at all times. The task force’s goal was to restore faith in the agency, which is at an all-time low.
REP. CROW: Our findings show the importance of bipartisan collaboration. We face serious threats today, and now more than ever, we must prioritize protecting our highest elected officials.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you for your insights as we navigate these important issues.
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