Assassination attempts on Trump spark surge in Secret Service applicants
Former CIA counterterrorism official Joe Zacks says repeated plots against President Donald Trump are driving a notable increase in Secret Service recruitment, regardless of applicants' political leanings.
According to former CIA deputy assistant director for counterterrorism Joe Zacks, the multiple assassination attempts on President Donald Trump are fueling a significant rise in Secret Service enlistments, with applicants not necessarily aligned with Trump’s policies. Zacks cites a reported Iranian scheme that was foiled by a decoy plane over Turkey as one of the high-profile threats. He points out that the agency hired 824 trainees during the first seven months of 2026, surpassing the 786 individuals recruited throughout 2025.
While financial incentives and structural reforms matter, Zacks believes a surge of patriotic sentiment is a key driver for the new recruits. He praises the agency’s ability to attract talent but warns that the nation must also confront the growing tolerance of political violence, misinformation, and online self-radicalization. Zacks urges a reduction in heated political discourse and greater accountability from politicians who fail to denounce violent rhetoric.
Why it matters
A rise in Secret Service staffing may improve protection for leaders amid increasing threats to political figures.
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