In the wake of a third assassination attempt on President Donald Trump on April 25 at the White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD), and the general heightened violent political atmosphere, what might be sorely needed is a serious examination of the Secret Service. In a refreshing display of bipartisanship, two members of Congress are looking to make some significant changes to the agency charged with protecting the President of the United States.
Some schmuck protester at Trump Doral getting busted by the Secret Service. The security alarms were going off when he tried passing through the checkpoint
— Beard Vet (@Beardvet) May 2, 2026
Excellent work by the Secret Service 👊🏽🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/577ZZ7LCg5
On Thursday, Democrat Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) and Republican Rep. Russell Fry (SC-07) introduced legislation that would transfer the Secret Service from under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and require it to report directly to the White House. The shift is part of a more substantial legislative package that would also make the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) an autonomous Cabinet-level agency and would move the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under the Department of Transportation.
READ MORE: Secret Service Shoots Armed Suspect Near White House Amid Security Scare
Since the first attempt on the life of President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July of 2024, the Secret Service has undergone some intense scrutiny. Moskowitz stated that the goal of the bill is to get rid of DHS obstacles that can prevent subagencies' ability to function. Moskowitz was a member of the congressional task force that investigated the Butler shooting. He said:
"Going to Butler, talking to Secret Service, is when I realized, well, the Secret Service is suffering the same problems that FEMA is suffering. Because they were such a small agency, they couldn't get the resources they needed. They couldn't get decisions being made. These pieces of legislation would streamline all three of those agencies. It would cut a lot of the bureaucracy we're getting at DHS."
He added that, being an attendee at the WHCD, he supported the agency needing to answer directly to their prime protectee, the President, and wants to provide it with "more resources, not less." Rep. Fry stated exactly that:
"In a time where political attacks are becoming increasingly rampant, the Secret Service should be able to focus solely on its mission of protecting top U.S. officials — not dealing with bureaucratic tape that ultimately serves as a distraction to keeping the president safe."
Back when having a security clearance and working in DC meant everything, having a polygraph given every couple of months was a serious situation! Having SS employees under going a level of scrutiny is necessary! Why has it taken this long, they coordinate Presidential movement!
— Remmulp Ekim (@mremmulp) May 8, 2026
ALSO READ: Watch: Dems Reveal Peak Hypocrisy and Unbelievable Demand As They Continue Blocking DHS Funding
But just shuffling the Secret Service around only addresses part of the issues plaguing the agency. Also, on Thursday, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) sent a letter to Secret Service Director Sean Curran, asking for "an immediate audit of every single employee on its payroll." Blackburn cited not just the failures at the Butler rally, but also an incident where shots were fired near the White House on April 6. The actions of individual agents were also cited in Blackburn's letter, including an agent allegedly involved in a tax fraud scheme, another agent charged with murdering his brother, and, more recently, an agent was arrested in Miami on charges of indecent exposure after being witnessed engaged in lewd behavior.
If the bill is signed into law, it would protect the Secret Service, TSA, and FEMA from a DHS that goes unfunded. It should clearly also include some mandatory housecleaning by Director Curran.
Following a string of scandals, personnel issues, and security failures, I am calling on the Secret Service to conduct an immediate audit of every single employee on its payroll.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) May 8, 2026
If this agency does not root out the rot, our nation will suffer the consequences. pic.twitter.com/mq9umw1dXb
Editor's Note: Do you enjoy RedState's conservative reporting that takes on the radical Left and woke media? Support our work so that we can continue to bring you the truth.
Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member