Secret Service Director Involved in Controversial Security Clearance Decision

Sean Curran, the director of the Secret Service, is likely well aware of the plans to restore security clearance for Kimberly Cheatle after a previous assassination attempt in Butler last year. According to Blaze News, this became evident when Cheatle’s clearance was unexpectedly reversed by the agency.

On Friday, Susan Crabtree from RealClearPolitics reported that the Secret Service has quietly initiated the process to reinstate Cheatle’s security clearance. However, when RCP informed the agency of concerns from Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) regarding this decision, the agency shifted its stance and decided not to proceed with the clearance restoration.

Avery Selby, a spokesperson for Johnson, indicated that the senator’s office became aware that Cheatle’s clearance would not be reinstated shortly after RCP raised the issue with the Secret Service.

Sources suggest that Curran is undoubtedly aware of the agency’s consideration to restore Cheatle’s security clearance. Crabtree noted that renewing this clearance does not enhance national security but may simply benefit Cheatle in securing a lucrative position at a private corporation.

Johnson expressed relief regarding the suspension of Cheatle’s clearance, stating it was a wise move in light of the recent security failures. “There’s no reason for her clearance to be reinstated,” he remarked.

Cheatle resigned shortly after some embarrassing moments during a committee hearing where she notably evaded several questions and addressed significant security breaches related to the Butler incident.

Since then, it seems probable that Director Curran has been informed about the work being done to restore Cheatle’s clearance. Crabtree commented that if Curran was indeed aware and allowed the process to continue, it raises concerns about his commitment to necessary reforms during a critical period for national security.

Blaze News reached out to the Secret Service to clarify when Curran became aware of these developments but received the same official statement provided earlier to RCP.

In a statement, the Secret Service explained that all former directors retain security clearances for ongoing operational awareness. However, it appears that not all former directors will necessarily have their clearance renewed as part of a modernization effort initiated by Curran.