U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) revealed a new troubling whistleblower allegation detailing the Secret Service’s refusal to provide former President Donald Trump with the resources and manpower needed for a rally in Wisconsin—effectively forcing his campaign to cancel the event.
Addressing Director Rowe directly, Senator Hawley wrote, “At your recent press conference on September 20, you stated that former President Trump is receiving “the highest level of Secret Service protection” and “he’s getting everything” that “the current president has with respect to Secret Service assets.”
He continued, writing, “Yet according to a whistleblower with direct knowledge of the exchange, Secret Service recently told the Trump campaign that it did not have sufficient assets to secure a potential campaign rally in Wisconsin for the former president.”
Read the full letter here or below.
September 24, 2024
The Honorable Ronald L. Rowe, Jr.
Acting Director
U.S. Secret Service
245 Murray Ln SW, Building T-5
Washington, D.C. 20223
Dear Acting Director Rowe:
I write concerning new whistleblower allegations that the U.S. Secret Service effectively forced the Trump campaign to cancel an upcoming event in Wisconsin. This new information calls into question your recent public statements regarding the level of security your agency is providing to the former president. It also suggests that the Secret Service’s inability to fully protect former President Trump may be affecting the conduct of the presidential campaign.
At your recent press conference on September 20, you stated that former President Trump is receiving “the highest level of Secret Service protection” and “he’s getting everything” that “the current president has with respect to Secret Service assets.” That same night, Secret Service secured a rally for Vice President Harris in Madison, Wisconsin.
Yet according to a whistleblower with direct knowledge of the exchange, Secret Service recently told the Trump campaign that it did not have sufficient assets to secure a potential campaign rally in Wisconsin for the former president. Other whistleblowers with knowledge of Secret Service planning protocols allege that failure to provide protection for a major public event is highly unusual and that a sitting president would never be denied resources in this way.
If true, this apparent double standard contradicts your public statements and raises troubling questions. Please provide the following information no later than seven days from now:
Did the Secret Service ever tell former President Trump, his campaign, or any related business entities that the agency could not secure a rally event in Wisconsin?
Has the Secret Service ever told President Biden or Vice President Harris that the agency could not secure a campaign event of their choosing?
Sincerely,
Josh Hawley
United States Senator