By Steve Neavling
Donald Trump is considering several candidates to lead the U.S. Secret Service, including a right-wing media personality and current and former members of his Secret Service detail, following the agency’s failure to prevent two alleged assassination attempts on him this summer, sources familiar with the president-elect’s plans told CNN.
Among those under consideration are podcaster Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent known for his criticism of the agency’s leadership, and Sean Curran, the head of Trump’s current protection detail.
Bongino, who has been outspoken about security lapses during the alleged attempts on Trump’s life, has accused former agency leaders of prioritizing “politics ahead of presidential protection.” While he hasn’t had formal discussions about the role, Bongino is highly regarded by former colleagues for his operational skills. However, some critics within the agency note his lack of administrative experience, which could be a hurdle.
Curran’s close relationship with Trump, meanwhile, may work against his candidacy, as the president-elect could prefer to keep Curran in his current role to maintain continuity in his personal protection during his early years in office, a source familiar with the matter said.
Other names on the shortlist include Robert Engel, the former head of Trump’s Secret Service detail, who gained attention during the January 6 investigation. Engel testified to the House select committee about Trump’s actions on the day of the Capitol attack, though he denied key claims from former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson that Trump had lunged at him after being told he could not go to the Capitol.
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe, who took over after Kimberly Cheatle’s abrupt resignation in July following an alleged assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, has also overseen significant changes within the agency. However, Rowe’s efforts to meet with Trump this week were reportedly unsuccessful.
As Trump continues to name leaders for his incoming administration, his choice for Secret Service director is seen as a particularly personal and pivotal decision. The agency faces challenges of low morale, workforce exhaustion, and calls for structural reform from both Congress and an independent review panel under the Department of Homeland Security.
Critics have urged Trump to select an outsider to reinvigorate the agency and refocus it on its core mission of protection. Bongino’s candidacy highlights Trump’s willingness to make unconventional choices, similar to his reported selection of former Rep. Matt Gaetz to lead the Justice Department.
Notably absent from the race is former Secret Service Assistant Director Tony Ornato, another key figure in the January 6 investigation. Ornato informed Trump’s transition team that he was not interested in the position, a source told CNN.
