Sean Curran, the newly appointed Secret Service Director, is poised to make significant changes on his first day in office.
According to a report by Real Clear Politics, up to ten senior leadership officials, including former Director Ron Rowe, have been notified that they might face termination, reassignment, or be encouraged into retirement. This information comes from multiple sources within the Secret Service community.
President Trump recently announced Curran’s appointment, highlighting his trust in Curran’s capabilities. Trump praised Curran as a “Great Patriot” who has been instrumental in ensuring the safety of the Trump family for many years. “It is my great honor to appoint Sean Curran as the next Director of the United States Secret Service,” Trump declared on Truth Social, emphasizing Curran’s dedication and loyalty.
Curran’s impressive 23-year career in law enforcement began with the Secret Service in 2001. He worked in the Newark Field Office, where he handled protection, intelligence, investigations, and logistics. During Trump’s first term, Curran served as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division.
Trump recalled Curran’s bravery during an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, stating, “He proved his fearless courage when he risked his own life to help save mine.”
Unlike many government roles, the position of Secret Service Director does not require Senate confirmation. Curran steps into the role following the resignation of Kim Cheatle, with Ron Rowe having served as the acting director in the interim.
The report by Susan Crabtree from Real Clear Politics suggests that Curran intends to remove several high-ranking officials. Particularly, Chief Operating Officer Cynthia Sjoberg Radway is under scrutiny due to her close ties with Kimberly Cheatle.
“One person who needs to go immediately is Chief Operating Officer Cynthia Sjoberg Radway,” Crabtree noted, highlighting concerns about her potential influence.
Curran is reportedly receiving extensive feedback on which top officials should be replaced. Crabtree indicates that there is a considerable list of names on the chopping block. Radway’s close association with Cheatle is seen as a liability, with concerns that she might continue to relay information back to Cheatle if retained.
A source within the Secret Service community expressed apprehension, stating, “She will be a major roadblock to positive progress” if Radway remains in her position. The sentiment is shared by many within the agency who believe that a fresh start is necessary for the Secret Service to move forward effectively.
A significant issue that has come to light involves several top officials failing to inform Curran or any on-the-ground personnel about threats against Trump before a rally in Butler. This lapse in communication has been attributed to Cheatle, Rowe, and David Torres, the assistant director of Strategic Intelligence and Information.
Former Director Rowe has been criticized for his handling of security during the 2024 campaign, particularly during the second assassination attempt on Trump. Rowe was accused of misleading the public about the security measures in place for the Butler rally. A whistleblower later revealed that Rowe had cut assets from Trump’s Secret Service detail prior to the assassination attempt.
Cheatle resigned in July following these security failures, which nearly cost President Trump his life. The incident in Butler saw a gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, open fire on Trump and rally attendees, resulting in a minor injury to Trump’s ear.
Cheatle faced intense scrutiny during a House Oversight Committee hearing over the summer. Despite the gravity of the situation, she remained evasive, refusing to answer critical questions and citing “an ongoing investigation” as her reason.
The transition to new leadership under Curran is seen as a pivotal moment for the Secret Service. With Curran at the helm, there is a strong expectation that the agency will undergo a thorough overhaul, aimed at restoring confidence and ensuring the safety of those it is tasked to protect. The changes are anticipated to reinforce the agency’s commitment to its core mission while addressing past shortcomings.
