Staff Reports
A recent Gallup survey has revealed an alarming trend for an agency that once basked in the glowing approval ratings of American citizens—the Secret Service. Once boasting a commendable 69% approval rate in 2019, their stock has plummeted faster than a media outlet dropping a story involving Biden’s mishaps. After all the drama surrounding recent assassination attempts on former President Trump, the agency’s approval has nosedived to a mere 32%. If this trend continues, the Secret Service might soon hold the esteemed position of America’s least favorite government agency, moving right past the EPA and the IRS.
The numbers don’t lie. Until the first attempt on Trump’s life on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, the Secret Service was riding high at 55% approval. But in the aftermath of that near-disaster, where one bullet actually grazed Trump’s ear and another tragically struck a rally supporter, the agency found itself knee-deep in controversy and embarrassment. And if that wasn’t enough, they managed to make things worse with yet another assassination attempt while Trump was simply trying to enjoy a round of golf at Mar-a-Lago.
Public approval of Secret Service sinks after Trump assassination attempts.https://t.co/zoOfFqmsb3 pic.twitter.com/LZz9cNiO3o
— Rickash (@Rickash100) September 24, 2024
In a twist that seems ripped from the pages of a bad sitcom, Congress and the FBI are currently investigating these security failures. Early implications suggest the Secret Service may have fumbled their job worse than the average kid on a little league team. After the first attempt, there was a staff shake-up at the agency, but apparently, that didn’t quell the storm of public concern regarding their ability to protect American leaders. One has to wonder what kind of enhancements could possibly salvage an outfit falling further into disfavor.
Gallup’s findings reveal a stark divide between the agency’s lofty motto of being “worthy of trust and confidence” and the public’s current perception of their effectiveness. The low ratings have drawn bipartisan criticism that showcases just how unified folks can be when it comes to failing governmental institutions. Who could have imagined a time when Americans from both sides of the aisle would bond over sheer disbelief at the Secret Service’s incompetence?
As the recent assassination attempts escalate scrutiny, the question must be asked: Can the Secret Service recover its tarnished reputation? Given the current trajectory, it would seem they will need more than just a staff reshuffle; they might want to invest in some fortified training and perhaps a few new ad slogans. After all, the agency originally touted as a protector now looks more like a punchline in this tragic stand-up routine of government refreshers. The American public certainly hopes the agency can get its act together before someone decides that they need a whole new motto—their current one perhaps becoming a mockery.
