Questions are mounting over the performance of the U.S. Secret Service following a series of security lapses, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah and a disruptive protest against Donald Trump at a Washington, D.C. restaurant.
National political correspondent Susan Crabtree joined Chicago’s Morning Answer to outline her reporting on the agency’s troubles. Crabtree noted that protesters from Code Pink managed to enter a restaurant where Trump and his running mates were dining. While the Secret Service later said the group had a reservation, the ease with which they unfurled large banners raised alarms about the lack of screening in what should have been a controlled environment.
The restaurant confrontation came just days after another embarrassing breach. At Trump National Golf Club in Virginia, a member accidentally carried a Glock handgun through Secret Service checks undetected. He later alerted agents himself, highlighting what Crabtree described as a troubling lack of attention to detail. The officer responsible has since been placed on administrative leave.
Crabtree said these incidents underscore systemic problems. Internal investigations have revealed that the agency’s counter-sniper teams are understaffed by more than 70 percent, retention remains low, and internal disputes over leadership persist. She also noted that some officials tied to earlier security failures, including the Butler rally where shots were fired at Trump, have been promoted rather than disciplined.
The failures, Crabtree argued, extend beyond routine operations to questions of culture and accountability. Whistleblowers inside the agency say poor communication and inconsistent discipline are driving experienced officers away. Meanwhile, Congress has yet to hold hearings on reforms promised after past lapses.
Looking ahead, Crabtree said a broader national discussion is needed about how best to protect high-profile figures in an era when threats are multiplying. While the Secret Service cannot provide coverage to every outspoken political figure, she suggested that lawmakers may need to revisit the scope of protection and support for local authorities.
For now, she said, the immediate priority should be transparency and reform. “This isn’t about politics,” Crabtree warned. “It’s about performance—and right now the Secret Service isn’t meeting the moment.”