A sharp criticism of American billionaire Elon Musk has increasingly spotlighted Kimberly Cheatle, the head of the Secret Service in the United States. Musk stated on his platform X that she previously protected "chips bags," echoing strong calls for her dismissal from her highly sensitive position following what was described as a serious security breach that resulted in the former U.S. president being shot during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, for which the Secret Service was primarily responsible.
Cheatle’s appointment as Director of the Secret Service dates back to 2022 when President Joe Biden reinstated her to lead the agency despite a hiatus during which she worked at Pepsi in North America overseeing facilities and staff. This reinstatement was due in part to her close relationship with the Bidens, as she had previously been involved in providing their protection when Biden was Vice President under Barack Obama.
In announcing her selection, Biden stated, "Kim (Kimberly) earned my trust and the trust of Jill Biden through her service in my protective detail when I was Vice President. She is a distinguished law enforcement professional with exceptional leadership skills." In 2021, Biden awarded Cheatle a Presidential Rank Award for her outstanding performance. She recently left government service to take on a senior role at Pepsi.
Cheatle’s arrival at the helm came after a series of scandals in the Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting both current and former presidents, as well as other senior officials. She is considered a veteran of the agency, having worked there for 27 years, according to a biography released by the White House. During her career, she served as a special agent in charge of the Secret Service office in Atlanta and became the first woman to serve as the Assistant Director of Operations, overseeing a budget of $133.5 million.
Cheatle is only the second woman to lead the Secret Service in its 157-year history, succeeding James Murray, who announced his retirement after three years in the top position amid scandals, including missing text messages between agents during the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and accusations from Democrats that officials at the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the agency, were uncooperative with the House committee investigating the attack.
A series of former directors promised to reform the agency, which investigates cyber crimes in addition to its protective duties. However, embarrassing incidents continue to occur, the latest being the serious security breach that led to former President Trump being shot.
It is known that the Secret Service Director is appointed by the President and does not require Senate confirmation. Following news of the security breach that led to the Trump incident, the House Oversight Committee announced it would summon the Secret Service Director to testify on July 22, amid increasing calls for her dismissal from her position.
