Sean Curran, head of President Trump’s campaign security detail and instrumental in protecting him from an assassination attempt, has been appointed to lead the US Secret Service.
President Trump appointed Sean Curran, his former campaign security detail chief, to head the United States Secret Service (USSS).
Curran shielded Trump during a near-fatal assassination attempt during his 2024 reelection campaign in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack resulted in one audience member’s death and injuries to two others before the assailant was neutralized.
In a Truth Social post, Trump praised Curran as a “Great Patriot” who has protected his family and lauded his courage in saving him from the assassin.
Trump’s choice of Curran contradicts earlier bipartisan commission recommendations that urged the next president to select an outsider for the USSS director position, as reported by CBS News.
Unlike other cabinet positions or the FBI director, the USSS director doesn’t require Senate confirmation.
Curran, a 2001 USSS veteran, oversaw Trump’s security detail for four years, managing a team of over 80 personnel.
Despite lacking experience at USSS headquarters in Washington and potentially limited managerial experience in senior roles, he enjoys a strong reputation as an agent, according to the New York Times, citing sources who have worked with him.
A fellow agent who worked alongside Curran described him as trustworthy, meticulous, and possessing a keen understanding of the agency and a good sense of humor.
“Trump clearly trusts him,” another former special agent stated.
Curran replaces Ron Rowe, acting director since July, following the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle amid criticism of the agency’s security failures during the assassination attempt. The attacker came within 150 meters of Trump, firing multiple shots before being killed.
Investigations reportedly revealed a lack of overall security coordination at the Butler rally, with agents showing complacency in instructing local law enforcement. Several Secret Service agents were subsequently placed on restricted duty.