Days after taking office, US President Donald Trump appointed Sean Curran as the new director of the US Secret Service. The announcement was made via Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where the president praised Curran as a “great patriot” and emphasized his trust in Curran’s leadership. Trump highlighted Curran’s previous service, having spent four years as a special agent responsible for Trump’s personal security, and lauded his dedication to protecting the president and his family.
A Career Built on Dedication to Protecting the President
Sean Curran brings over 23 years of law enforcement experience to his new role. He began his career in the Secret Service in 2001, serving as a special agent in the Newark Field Office. His responsibilities included protection, intelligence, investigations, recruitment, and logistics support. During Trump’s first term, Curran served as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division, overseeing security for the president and his family. Notably, Curran played a crucial role in protecting Trump during the first assassination attempt in July 2017, demonstrating remarkable courage to prevent harm to the president.
An Outsider’s Selection Amidst Controversy
Trump’s decision to appoint Curran is aligned with recommendations from bipartisan commissions, which suggested that US presidents should select an outsider to lead the Secret Service. This move contrasts with other high-profile positions in the administration, such as the FBI Director, where Senate confirmation is required. As part of the ongoing changes, Curran will replace Ron Rowe, who has been serving as the acting director since July. Rowe stepped in after the resignation of Kimberly Cheatle, who faced criticism for the Secret Service’s failure to prevent an assassination attempt on Trump.
First Job at Secret Service Headquarters
While Curran’s appointment has garnered attention, it marks his first role at the agency’s headquarters. He has not previously held a position within the Senior Executive Service, which is typically reserved for the highest-ranking officials within federal agencies. Curran’s selection comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for the Secret Service, following the failure to prevent the assassination attempt and other security lapses. As the new director, Curran faces the challenging task of restoring confidence in the agency and ensuring the safety of the president and his family.