Summary
Americans’ confidence in the U.S. Secret Service has reached a new low, with a recent Gallup survey revealing that only 32% of respondents rate the agency’s performance as “excellent” or “good.” This marks a significant decline of 23 points from the previous year, coinciding with heightened scrutiny following a series of security failures, including a recent assassination attempt on a presidential candidate.
The survey, conducted between September 3 and September 15, 2024, highlights a stark shift in public perception of the Secret Service, which is tasked with protecting the nation’s political leaders. The agency’s rating has plummeted after a highly publicized shooting incident at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman opened fire, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Following this event, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned amid criticism of the agency’s security protocols. The fallout from this incident appears to have significantly impacted the agency’s reputation, leading to an unprecedented number of Americans now viewing its performance as poor—rising from 13% to 36% in just one year.
Historical Context
This decline in confidence is among the largest recorded by Gallup, reminiscent of past crises affecting other federal agencies. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saw a 24-point drop in ratings during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the Federal Reserve’s approval ratings fell by 23 points in the wake of the Great Recession.
Implications for the Secret Service
The findings of the Gallup survey pose serious concerns for the Secret Service, particularly for its Acting Director Ronald Rowe, who has acknowledged the agency’s shortcomings in recent public statements. The survey results indicate a pressing need for the agency to reassess its operational strategies and public engagement to restore trust and confidence among the American public. As scrutiny continues, calls for changes within the agency and evaluations of its budget and effectiveness are likely to grow.
Senate panel calls for changes at the Secret Service and a budget evaluation - The Washington Post
Sep. 25 / Google News “ Senate panel calls for changes at the Secret Service and a budget evaluation The Washington PostSecret Service gave local police few instructions or details...
Secret Service performance rating falls to new low: Gallup
Sep. 23 / The Hill “ Fewer than one-third of U.S. adults rate the U.S. Secret Service’s job performance as “excellent” or “good” in the latest Gallup survey, marking a new low...
Americans Losing Faith in Secret Service
Sep. 23 / Newsweek “ The Secret Service's motto is "worthy of trust and confidence"—but Americans seem less likely to agree with that assessment now than at any point in the past...