The recent attempt on Trump's life has ignited scrutiny over Cheatle’s appointment and her team's protective measures.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is under pressure to resign after security lapses nearly led to an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. According to Daily Mail, Cheatle got her job largely due to her close relationship with First Lady Jill Biden.

First Lady's Influence on Secret Service Appointment

In August 2022, Kimberly Cheatle, then 53, was appointed as the Director of the U.S. Secret Service, a decision heavily influenced by First Lady Jill Biden and her adviser.

Cheatle, who had previously worked as the senior director of global security at PepsiCo and served 27 years with the Secret Service, was favored for her extensive experience and professionalism.

Cheatle’s connection with the Biden family dates back to her service during the Obama administration when she protected Dr. Jill Biden. This prior relationship is reported to have significantly impacted her selection as Director. Four sources who worked closely with Dr. Biden during that time confirmed Cheatle's favorable impression of the First Lady and her aides.

Investigation Following Security Lapse

The critical incident unfolded on a peaceful Saturday during Trump’s rally. Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old gunman, managed to fire a shot from about 130 yards away, grazing the former president. The occurrence quickly escalated into a broader discussion about the state of presidential security under Cheatle’s leadership.

Following the assassination attempt, Cheatle found herself under intense political and public pressure. Criticism has focused on the immediate security failings and the perceived undue influence in her appointment.

A key figure in this controversy is Anthony Bernal, a Biden adviser implicated in pushing for Cheatle's nomination despite having no background in national security or law enforcement.

This Tuesday, Cheatle is scheduled to present a detailed briefing to Congress in response to the incident, with a subsequent public hearing set before the House Oversight Committee the next Monday. These sessions are expected to address the various operational concerns as well as the circumstances surrounding her appointment.

Controversy Over Influence and Experience

Several insiders have openly criticized the role of Anthony Bernal in the selection process, questioning his qualifications and his alleged focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) rather than security expertise.

“Anthony has no national security or law enforcement experience. He should not influence the selection of the USSS director,” one Democratic insider expressed.

However, defenders of Cheatle argue that her extensive security background rightly qualified her for the directorship. The White House highlighted her “deep qualifications for the job,” commending her years of excellent service in the Secret Service and her reputation for integrity and hard work.

Amidst these debates, the technical aspects and specifics of Cheatle’s selection process remain under wraps, further fueling the controversy. Questions about whether traditional protocols were followed during her appointment continue to linger.

Bipartisan Responses to the Appointment

Representative Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) commented on the incident, linking the security oversight to a broader tendency to prioritize DEI initiatives over traditional qualifications in high-level security roles.

These criticisms reflect a larger bipartisan concern over the efficacy and criteria of appointments in national security positions.

Despite the political controversy, many continue to uphold Cheat's professionalism. “Kim was always professional and a very competent agent. She was always good to work with,” affirmed a source who had previously collaborated with her at The Post.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, during his time in office, also praised Cheatle’s judgment and counsel as part of his security detail, a sentiment that captures the trust and reliance placed on her over her long tenure with the Secret Service.

Conclusion and Ongoing Impact

As the narrative around Kimberly Cheatle's appointment unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and politicization surrounding security appointments. With Cheatle set to face Congress and public scrutiny, the outcome will likely resonate across the political and security spectrum, influencing future protocols and appointments. The balancing act between professional credentials, personal relationships, and political influences continues to be a pivotal aspect of national debate.