Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cittle did not receive an update to her security clearance following the controversy regarding an assassination attempt against President Trump in Pennsylvania, according to sources.
The Secret Service opted not to extend Cittle’s security clearance after opposition from Republican lawmakers, particularly Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin.
A spokesperson mentioned that Director Sean Curran is working on modernizing intelligence reporting within the agency.
This decision to halt the renewal of security clearance has prompted discussions. The RealClearPolitics outlet first reported on Johnson’s objections to Cittle’s situation.
Johnson, who is probing the investigations of the Secret Service’s response before the assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, has been particularly critical of Cittle, who oversaw the agency from 2022 to 2024. This scrutiny came shortly after a bullet grazed Trump’s ear at a rally last July.
A Secret Service spokesperson clarified that security clearances for former directors are crucial due to their expertise in operational and national security matters, allowing for protected communications about sensitive issues.
After Cittle, Trump chose Curran—who previously led his security detail—to head the agency.
The attack in Butler was notably the closest an assailant has come to killing a sitting U.S. president since 1981.
Cittle has faced significant criticism over multiple security lapses, particularly in light of the recent assassination attempt. Republican inquiries have pointed to claims that her team turned down requests for increased security during the 2024 election cycle.
On the anniversary of the July 13 incident, Senator Rand Paul accused her of being untruthful in her congressional testimony, claiming she had denied requests for additional resources to ensure Trump’s safety.
In response, Cittle, through her lawyer, stated, “The allegations that I provided misleading testimony are completely false and detrimental to the frontline personnel who are unfairly penalized.”
During his second term, Trump often pushed to revoke the security clearances of former officials in significant roles, sometimes going so far as to revoke access entirely.
This included an executive order aimed at withdrawing clearance from former officials associated with intelligence agencies who had claimed Hunter Biden’s laptop story was disinformation.
Despite facing such a serious threat, Trump has been somewhat philanthropic regarding the Secret Service. In an interview, he reflected on the need for better communication with local police during the incident, expressing confidence in their capabilities.
“They had a bad day, and I think they’ll admit it. It wasn’t their best moment,” he stated, acknowledging the difficulties faced by the agency.
Recently, there was another security incident when an agent attempted to bring his wife onto Air Force One during Trump’s trip to Scotland.
