Following the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, Secret Service officials have advised Trump’s campaign to cease scheduling large outdoor rallies and other significant outdoor events.
The recommendation comes as concerns about security and crowd control intensify.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, Secret Service agents have expressed their apprehensions about the safety risks associated with large outdoor gatherings.
The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, indicated that these concerns were communicated to Trump campaign advisers shortly after the shooting incident.
In response to these security concerns, Trump’s campaign is now focusing on indoor venues for future events.
Campaign officials are scouting locations such as basketball arenas and other large indoor spaces capable of accommodating thousands of attendees.
The campaign has not announced any plans for large outdoor events at this time, a person close to Trump revealed.
The Secret Service declined to comment on its protective methods, and a Trump campaign spokeswoman did not respond to requests for comment.
Trump has been known for his enthusiastic outdoor rallies, often boasting about the size of the crowds. These events, which have become a hallmark of his campaign strategy, typically feature extensive pre-speaker rosters and generate significant fanfare, including tailgate parties and large processions. However, they also present considerable logistical and security challenges.
Sarah Matthews, a former Trump spokeswoman, highlighted that Trump’s preference for large crowds is deeply rooted in his personal experience.
“We’ve seen from the early days of his presidency even, and before that during his first campaign in 2016, how important crowd size is to him. It gives him a lot of joy and energy being with large crowds. He feeds off their energy. It’s almost like a source of comfort for him,” said Matthews, who served as a deputy press secretary in the Trump White House.
Despite the excitement generated by these rallies, indoor events are seen as a safer alternative. Campaign advisers point out that controlling access and monitoring crowds is more manageable in enclosed spaces.
However, they acknowledge that indoor venues come with higher costs and lack the same visual impact as large outdoor gatherings.
The Secret Service has faced challenges with Trump’s outdoor rallies due to the complexity of securing venues with large crowds.
Unlike other former presidents, Trump’s extensive use of large-scale events requires a more substantial security footprint. Agents typically arrive well before events to develop comprehensive security plans for these gatherings.
In the wake of the Butler incident, U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned, taking “full responsibility” for the security breach.
Cheatle’s resignation underscores the gravity of the situation and the growing tension between Trump’s campaign and the Secret Service.
In early 2024, Trump’s advisers had indicated plans for frequent large-scale events, which would demand increasing resources and protection. However, negotiations between Trump’s team and the Secret Service often resulted in disagreements over resource allocation, with some requests being denied.
Chioma Kalu
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