Written by Rebecca Adams.

In an eyebrow-raising incident, a U.S. Secret Service agent abandoned her security post at a Donald Trump rally in North Carolina to breastfeed her baby. The disruption occurred just five minutes before Trump’s motorcade was expected. The agent was discovered breastfeeding in a room filled with family members, a clear violation of protocol. Secret Service agents are strictly forbidden from bringing family members, including children, on protective assignments without explicit authorization.

The timing of this breach is particularly troublesome, coming less than a month after a high-profile assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania, which highlighted multiple Secret Service failures. The agency, already under scrutiny, is now facing another controversy as it investigates this latest lapse.

Unapproved Family Presence Raises Red Flags

Reports indicate that the family members accompanying the agent were not subjected to the standard Uniformed Division security screening. Instead, they were escorted directly into the room by staff, bypassing necessary security checks. This oversight is significant, as it implies that the escort was not cleared by the Secret Service, potentially compromising the event’s security.

Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Gugliemi addressed the situation, stating, “All employees of the U.S. Secret Service are held to the highest standards.” He reassured that, despite no immediate impact on the North Carolina event, the specifics of the incident are under review. “Given this is a personnel matter, we are not in a position to comment further,” Gugliemi added.

Recent Controversies Compound Agency’s Woes

This incident is only the latest in a series of missteps plaguing the Secret Service. Following the assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, the agency has faced intense scrutiny. Adding to the turmoil, a recent event saw a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent wearing a Secret Service patch on his vest, an act that violated protocol. The agent who provided the patch broke established rules, further exacerbating the agency’s issues.

These incidents reflect poorly on the Secret Service’s ability to maintain high security standards, raising questions about its effectiveness and internal discipline. The accumulation of these lapses paints a troubling picture of an agency struggling to uphold its responsibilities.

Our Take

The pattern of security breaches within the Secret Service is alarming. While the incident of an agent abandoning her post to breastfeed may seem minor in isolation, it underscores a broader issue of failing standards and accountability. The agency’s repeated mistakes suggest systemic problems that could jeopardize security at high-profile events. The public deserves a Secret Service that is not only competent but also adheres strictly to protocol, ensuring the safety of all involved. These ongoing issues highlight a critical need for reform and better oversight within the agency.