Secret Service Funding Questioned After Trump Assassination Attempt

Lawmakers are scrutinizing the Secret Service's funding after an assassination attempt against former President Trump left one dead and two injured. The agency's mission and staffing needs are under review as concerns arise about its ability to provide adequate protection.

The Secret Service is facing scrutiny over its funding after an assassination attempt against former President Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13. The attack raised questions about the agency's ability to protect current and former presidents, as well as other political leaders and their families.

Secret Service Funding Questioned After Trump Assassination Attempt

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy and Republican Senator Katie Britt wrote a letter to Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, questioning how the agency has allocated its funding to carry out its mission. They expressed concern that a bullet came within an inch of killing Trump and that the agency's actions may have contributed to the tragedy.

The Senate Committee on Appropriations and Subcommittee on Homeland Security have pulled a planned markup for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding to discuss the Secret Service's monetary needs and to reach a bipartisan consensus on other issues. The subcommittee is seeking answers regarding how USSS has obligated the funding Congress provided the agency in 2024 to protecting the 2024 presidential campaign.

Secret Service Funding Questioned After Trump Assassination Attempt

Last year, Congress allocated more than $3 billion to the USSS, with $190 million specifically designated to protections for the 2024 presidential campaign. However, the Secret Service submitted a reprogramming notification in June to shift $19 million to cover a shortfall for protection-related travel funding.

The senators also questioned whether the Secret Service provided the same level of protection to Trump's rally as it did Biden's rally in Michigan the day prior. They inquired if the agency denied requests for additional personnel from the Trump campaign and if it is projecting any funding shortfalls for Fiscal Year 2024.

Secret Service Funding Questioned After Trump Assassination Attempt

Murphy and Britt stated that "what happened to President Trump in Pennsylvania should never have happened," and that "the American people and Congress deserve answers from the Secret Service before we write them a check." They emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration to ensure the agency has sufficient funding and is prepared to fulfill its mission.

The Secret Service has not yet responded to the letter, but Fox News Digital has reached out for comment. The ongoing investigation into the Trump assassination attempt and the review of Secret Service funding and staffing are expected to continue in the coming weeks.

Secret Service Funding Questioned After Trump Assassination Attempt