Calls for Reform of the Secret Service and DHS Go Unheeded in Washington

In Washington, D.C., there is a notable absence of calls for reform regarding the increasingly politicized Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its component, the Secret Service. Despite a series of scandals and management crises within the agency, power-brokers in the capital appear reluctant to address the issues plaguing the Secret Service, which has been implicated in multiple incidents of misconduct over the years. This silence highlights a broader unwillingness to confront the challenges facing DHS. The Secret Service has faced significant scrutiny following investigations into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, revealing a crisis within the agency. Historical incidents, such as drunk agents crashing into a White House barricade in 2015 and various misconduct allegations, underscore the agency's troubled past. Yet, despite these ongoing issues, there seems to be no momentum for substantial reform within the federal government. Moreover, the intertwining of political support and agency operations raises concerns about accountability. Figures like Anthony Ornato, who transitioned between the Secret Service and the White House, exemplify the blurred lines between political allegiance and agency integrity. Additionally, Border Patrol agents openly supporting Trump's re-election campaign further complicate the agency's impartiality. Experts suggest that a reorganization of the Secret Service could be beneficial, advocating for a shift in focus towards executive protection and infrastructure security. By transferring responsibilities related to commercial and financial crimes to the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Secret Service could better align its mission with its core functions, potentially restoring public trust in the agency.