The Secret Service is pushing back on criticism from right-wing personalities that have aimed criticism at female Secret Service agents since the assassination attempt on former President Trump. Networks like Fox News have speculated on a female’s ability to adequately protect a person of larger stature, while Elon Musk also joined the chorus. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who has held the position since September 2022, has also been dragged through the mud after her agency’s response to Saturday’s shooting. In response to this rhetoric, Anthony Guglielmi, a Secret Service spokesperson, stated to CNN: “It is an insult to the women of our agency to imply that they are unqualified based on gender. Such baseless assertions undermine the professionalism, dedication and expertise of our workforce. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion ensures that we attract the best talent, fostering a robust and effective team that reflects the society we serve. Guglielmi continued: “We stand united against any attempt to discredit our personnel and their invaluable contributions to our mission and are appalled by the disparaging and disgusting comments against any of our personnel.”
