Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Texas) is accusing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of obstructing a House investigation into an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
As Breitbart News reported, Cloud claims that the DHS, led by Alejandro Mayorkas, is hindering the House's efforts to uncover the truth about the Secret Service's alleged failure to protect Trump.
Cloud, a member of the House’s oversight committee, expressed his concerns about DHS interference in a recent briefing. He noted that a scheduled briefing was disrupted when DHS intervened, controlling the communication between the Secret Service and the Oversight Committee. This move has raised alarms about transparency and accountability within the DHS.
Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, has been rushing to appoint individuals for an independent review of the agency’s actions. This urgency follows criticism that the Secret Service, under the leadership of Kimberly Cheatle, failed to adequately protect Trump during the assassination attempt. The situation has prompted Chairman James Comer (R-KY) to issue subpoenas to ensure Cheatle's presence at a forthcoming hearing.
Rep. Cloud has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of the investigation. He emphasized the need for transparency, stating that the DHS should not obstruct the House’s efforts to gather critical information. Cloud’s remarks highlight a broader concern about the administration’s approach to security and political opposition.
Mayorkas’ tenure has been marked by his advocacy for migration interests, which has significantly impacted President Biden’s approval ratings. In February 2024, the House impeached Mayorkas, a move that reflects the growing political tensions surrounding his leadership. Despite these controversies, Mayorkas continues to support Cheatle, who admitted to security lapses during the attempted assassination.
Cloud has called for Cheatle’s resignation, arguing that the Secret Service director should be held accountable for such a critical failure. Cheatle, appointed by President Biden in August 2024, defended her decisions, noting that agents were not posted on a sloped roof for safety reasons. Her explanation, however, has not mitigated the demand for greater accountability within the Secret Service.
Despite the criticism, Mayorkas has publicly expressed his confidence in Cheatle’s leadership. In an NPR interview, he described Cheatle as a dedicated law enforcement officer with a long career in the Secret Service. President Biden also praised Cheatle’s commitment and leadership skills, reinforcing his trust in her ability to lead the agency.
Cloud’s assertions about DHS interference have sparked significant debate about the administration’s handling of security threats. He criticized the administration for labeling political opponents as terrorists while failing to protect a former president. This sentiment reflects a broader dissatisfaction with how the administration prioritizes its security measures.
Chairman Comer is determined to proceed with the investigation, issuing subpoenas to ensure Cheatle’s attendance at the upcoming hearing. Cloud emphasized the importance of these proceedings, stating that the Oversight Committee needs to gather all necessary information to understand the security failure. This investigation is crucial to ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future.
Rep. Cloud said:
Already they’re obfuscating it, it would seem. We should be able to get that preliminary information out, realizing that, okay, this is going to take more than one briefing … But you know, this is coming from the same administration who was labeling Catholics as terrorists, people who go to school board meetings as terrorists, yet they fail to protect a former president of the United States and a political opponent. We’ve seen this administration target political opponents before, and then now fail epically in protecting a former president — and we will say, future — President of the United States. And so this is extremely concerning.
The House Oversight Committee’s investigation into the Secret Service’s actions is gaining momentum. The committee is focused on uncovering the reasons behind the security lapse and the extent of DHS’s interference. This investigation is not only about accountability but also about ensuring the safety of public officials.
In conclusion, the House’s investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Trump has revealed significant concerns about the DHS’s interference and the Secret Service’s actions. Rep. Cloud’s allegations have intensified the scrutiny on Mayorkas and Cheatle, with calls for greater transparency and accountability. The Oversight Committee’s efforts to subpoena Cheatle and gather crucial information underscore the importance of this investigation in ensuring the safety and security of public officials.
