A whistleblower has alleged that the Secret Service informed Donald Trump’s campaign that it lacked the resources to secure a planned rally in Wisconsin. According to the account provided to Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), this forced the Trump campaign to cancel the event, though no specific details about the rally’s timing or location were revealed.

Senator Hawley raised concerns in a letter to Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe, asking whether the agency has ever denied protection to President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris for their campaign events. 

Hawley noted that it would be “highly unusual” for a sitting president to face such a situation. He emphasized an apparent double standard, citing how the Secret Service secured a rally for Vice President Harris in Madison, Wisconsin, the same night, according to the Washington Times.

In contrast, Acting Director Rowe maintained that Donald Trump is receiving “everything that the current president has with respect to Secret Service assets.” He made this statement during a press conference addressing recent assassination attempts against Trump, particularly one on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Rowe explained that while the Secret Service may discuss site challenges with campaign staff, it is ultimately the agency’s responsibility to secure the location, regardless of difficulties.

This whistleblower revelation follows the Senate’s passage of a bill requiring the Secret Service to provide presidential-level protection to all major presidential and vice-presidential candidates, legislation that now awaits President Biden’s signature. As the 2024 election ramps up, the allegations are raising questions about fairness and consistency in the protection of candidates.