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Bipartisan Lawmakers Push for Secret Service Restructuring Following Trump Assassination Attempts
A pair of House lawmakers have proposed significant changes to the Secret Service following three assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump this year. Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) and Russell Fry (R-S.C.) introduced legislation Thursday that would remove the Secret Service from Department of Homeland Security oversight and place it directly under White House supervision.
The proposal comes as part of a broader package of bipartisan reforms aimed at restructuring DHS, which has faced persistent criticism for bureaucratic inefficiency and operational failures.
“Going to Butler, talking to Secret Service, is when I realized the Secret Service is suffering the same problems that FEMA is suffering,” Moskowitz told Fox News Digital in an interview. “Because they were such a small agency, they couldn’t get the resources they needed. They couldn’t get decisions being made.”
Moskowitz, who previously served as Florida’s emergency management director, was present at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in April when Secret Service agents subdued an alleged shooter in what authorities described as the third assassination attempt against Trump this year. That incident, alongside the July shooting at Trump’s Butler, Pennsylvania rally, has intensified scrutiny of the agency’s operations and resources.
“In a time where political attacks are becoming increasingly rampant, the Secret Service should be able to focus solely on its mission of protecting top U.S. officials — not dealing with bureaucratic tape that ultimately serves as a distraction to keeping the president safe,” Rep. Fry said in support of the legislation.
The reform package extends beyond the Secret Service, proposing to elevate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to an independent cabinet-level status and transfer the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to the Department of Transportation. According to Moskowitz, these changes would streamline operations and cut through layers of bureaucracy that have hampered effectiveness.
The timing of these proposals follows a record-breaking 76-day DHS funding lapse that ended in late April, during which more than 1,000 TSA agents reportedly quit their jobs. The exodus led to significant security delays at major airports nationwide and numerous missed flights for travelers.
“I don’t think the American people should have their lives interrupted at the airport because of the dysfunction in Washington,” Moskowitz noted, arguing that airport security would function more efficiently under the Department of Transportation. “The idea that the Department of Transportation, they have the FAA that keeps our skies safe, but then Homeland keeps the people safe in the airport… we should put things under one roof.”
The Florida congressman is working with bipartisan colleagues on various components of his reform package, including Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) on the FEMA reform proposal and Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) on the TSA transfer legislation.
Security experts have pointed to the increasing complexity of protecting high-profile officials in a polarized political climate, with the Secret Service facing intense criticism following the Butler rally shooting in July, where a gunman was able to position himself on a rooftop within range of the former president. Congressional investigations revealed numerous security lapses at that event.
While Moskowitz expressed optimism about bipartisan support for DHS reforms, he acknowledged the challenge of passing comprehensive agency restructuring in the current political environment. “The question is, are we able to function and actually do something like this anymore?” he said. “Or are we just only able to fund the agencies now and can’t do any reform?”
The White House and Department of Homeland Security had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
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8 Comments
The Secret Service’s role in protecting our democratic institutions is vital. I hope any restructuring preserves their independence and nonpartisan status, while also addressing their resource and coordination needs.
While I understand the desire for more agility and resources, the Secret Service’s unique position within Homeland Security is important. Placing them directly under White House control raises risks of political interference that could compromise their neutrality.
That’s a valid concern. The bipartisan nature of this proposal is encouraging, but the details will be crucial to ensure appropriate oversight and accountability.
Interesting proposal, though the details will be crucial. The Secret Service’s mission is so sensitive and important that any changes need to be thoroughly vetted to avoid unintended consequences.
This is a concerning development. The Secret Service plays a critical role in protecting our leaders and ensuring the peaceful transition of power. Removing them from Homeland Security oversight could undermine their effectiveness and coordination with other key agencies.
I agree, the Secret Service’s independence and nonpartisan status is important. Any restructuring should be done carefully to preserve their core mission and capabilities.
Hmm, this seems like a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. I’m curious to learn more about the specific challenges the Secret Service has faced and how this proposal aims to address them in a balanced way.
Good point. Hearing directly from the lawmakers on the rationale and safeguards would help the public evaluate this proposal more fully.