Trump golf outing security/ Secret Service and Trump/ security challenges at Trump golf/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Following an incident during Donald Trump’s unannounced golf outing, security experts are questioning the Secret Service’s protocols. Former officials have pointed out that Trump’s frequent visits to his own golf courses pose unique challenges compared to previous presidents. The agency is also facing staffing shortages, which impact its ability to cover multiple assignments effectively.
Security Gaps at Trump Golf Outing: Secret Service Faces Questions Quick Looks:
- Former Homeland Security official questions the lack of advance security at Trump’s golf course.
- Secret Service director Ronald Rowe noted that Trump’s outing was unannounced, reducing the need for a full security sweep.
- Trump’s golf courses, open to members, create more security risks compared to military courses used by past presidents.
- The Secret Service is short of its staffing goals, struggling to retain agents due to private-sector competition.
Trump Calls for Increased Security After Incident at Unannounced Golf Outing
Deep Look:
The recent security breach during Donald Trump’s unannounced golf outing has raised concerns about the Secret Service’s handling of the former president’s safety. The incident, which involved an armed individual being apprehended, has led experts to scrutinize the agency’s protocols. Lora Ries, a former top official at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security who oversaw the Secret Service, questioned why basic security measures, such as drones or detection dogs, were not employed. “How was Routh not spotted by an advance team? Did the Secret Service use a drone over the golf course? Dogs? If not, why not?” she asked, reflecting on the potential gaps in security.
According to Secret Service director Ronald Rowe, the reduced security measures were due to the fact that Trump’s golf outing had not been publicly announced, making it unnecessary to conduct a full-scale security sweep. Rowe explained that an intensive security sweep could have signaled Trump’s presence at the course, something the agency aimed to avoid for security reasons.
This latest incident has highlighted the unique security challenges posed by Trump’s frequent use of his own golf courses, which are open to members and harder to secure than the military courses used by past presidents such as Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. These private courses, which remain open to the public during Trump’s visits, pose additional risks and make it more difficult for the Secret Service to fully control the environment.
Following the event, Trump called for increased protection. While candidates and former presidents are entitled to Secret Service protection, they receive fewer agents and resources compared to a sitting president. Trump’s request comes at a time when the Secret Service is already grappling with staffing shortages, which have been compounded by the 2024 election and the agency’s struggle to retain agents.
Staffing Shortfalls:
The Secret Service currently employs 7,879 people, falling short of the staffing plan set out by former agency director James Murray, who projected 8,305 staffers by 2023 and a goal of 10,000 by 2027. Though Congress increased the agency’s budget by 9% this year in preparation for the election, it remains challenging to quickly fill the ranks. Director Rowe highlighted in a July Congressional testimony that only 2% of applicants are hired due to the demanding nature of the job.
In addition to a slow hiring process, the Secret Service has faced difficulties retaining agents, many of whom are drawn to more lucrative opportunities in the private sector. Former agent Bill Gage pointed to these staffing issues as a significant challenge: “The Secret Service does not have the resources, it doesn’t have the bodies.” The shortage forces agents to rush from one assignment to another, which can lead to lapses in security coverage.
The lack of adequate staffing and resources is further complicated by Trump’s packed schedule of appearances and campaign events, which require a considerable amount of manpower to secure. With the 2024 election in full swing, the agency is under immense pressure to ensure the safety of its protectees, making incidents like the one at Trump’s golf course particularly concerning.
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