Kimberly Cheatle's job was 'pushed' by Jill Biden per sources, Internet demands officer to 'resign'
WASHINGTON, DC: Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle faced intense pressure to resign following significant security lapses that nearly resulted in former President Donald Trump’s assassination.
Cheatle's appointment reportedly was influenced by her close relationship with First Lady Jill Biden which has now enraged the Internet too.
Jill Biden's influence on Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle’s appointment
Kimberly Cheatle, 53, became the first woman to lead the Secret Service in August 2022 after a three-year role as senior director of global security at PepsiCo and a 27-year tenure in the Secret Service.
Her selection is now under scrutiny amid growing calls for accountability.
Four sources close to President Joe Biden’s family revealed to the New York Post that Cheatle was well-liked by the First Lady and her senior aides, particularly top advisor Anthony Bernal.
"Cheatle served on Dr Biden’s second lady detail and Anthony pushed for her," a Democratic insider told the publication.
"I heard at the time she was being considered for director that Anthony had pushed her forward as an option," another source confirmed to the outlet.
Critics argue that Bernal’s lack of national security or law enforcement experience should have excluded him from influencing the selection of the USSS director.
"Anthony is obsessed with being DEI-compliant," another source said referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
Security lapse during Donald Trump's rally and puts US Secret Service into scrutiny
Kimberly Cheatle is expected to brief Congress on how gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, managed to climb onto a roof approximately 130 yards from Donald Trump’s location at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Crooks fired an AR-15-style rifle, injuring Trump and two others and killing a rally-goer.
Cheatle will also appear at a public hearing of the House Oversight Committee to address the incident.
Despite the criticism, some sources praised her professionalism. "Kim was always professional and a very competent agent. She was always good to work with," said one source to the publication.
The Biden family’s familiarity with Cheatle was highlighted during her appointment.
President Biden mentioned in his announcement, "Jill and I know firsthand Kim’s commitment to her job and to the Secret Service’s people and mission. When Kim served on my security detail when I was vice president, we came to trust her judgment and counsel."
Internet demands USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle to 'step down'
The exact process of Kimberly Cheatle’s appointment remains unclear, including whether the Secret Service conducted a supplemental selection process or if the decision was made entirely within the White House, according to the report.
Public reaction to the security breach has been fierce, with many calling for Cheatle’s resignation.
"She should NEVER have been hired. A complete disaster and an embarrassment," wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
"THE SECRET SERVICE IS A DEI DISASTER!!!" wrote one more.
Another added, "She needs to be held personally liable, among others."
Many echoed similar sentiments, demanding her immediate resignation. "She needs to resign immediately!" wrote one more.
"Time for her to step down, she needs to take responsibility regardless of who’s jurisdiction this was" wrote one more.
However, some suggested a more nuanced approach. "With respect, the blame game solves nothing and rarely gets to the root of the problem," commented one user.
She should NEVER have been hired
— Teri (@TeriSchiavello) July 15, 2024
A complete disaster and an embarrassment
She needs to be held personally liable, among others.
— Krista Monroe (@MsKristaMonroe) July 15, 2024
With respect, the blame game solves nothing and rarely gets to the root of the problem.
— David (@the_diff_view) July 15, 2024
Time for her to step down, she needs to take responsibility regardless of who’s jurisdiction this was
— Tommy G (@Tommyg62111) July 15, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.