Speaker Mike Johnson Applauds Secret Service Director’s Resignation

Speaker Mike Johnson expressed approval on Tuesday following the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, which came in the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Johnson argued that Cheatle’s departure was overdue and emphasized the need for accountability within the agency.

Johnson remarked, "Accountability begins at the top — I told her that in the library yesterday morning before she went out for that hearing, and I said it's not personal but there must be accountability." He stressed that the appointment of Cheatle’s successor should be someone who is “sober-minded about those responsibilities” and capable of improving the agency’s processes to restore public trust.

Johnson suggests Biden shares some responsibility 

The Speaker also suggested that President Biden shares some responsibility for the agency's failures, stating, "We don't need to see inept leaders at the top of these agencies right now; we need to see competence, and ultimately, the buck stops in the Oval Office."

In response to the security lapses, Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) announced the formation of a bipartisan task force to investigate the assassination attempt. Both leaders called for a thorough, nonpartisan investigation into the security failures that allowed the incident to occur.

The House is expected to vote on a measure to establish the task force, which will include seven Republicans and six Democrats. This panel will have subpoena power to facilitate its inquiry into the events leading up to the shooting and the Secret Service’s response.