Zero Fail: the rise and fall of the Secret Service

The Secret Service, from the Kennedy assassination to the Obama and Trump years, has been plagued by secrets, scandals, and shortcomings, including a toxic work culture, outdated equipment, and deep resentment among agency leaders. Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling co-author Carol Leonnig has been reporting on the agency for the Washington Post for most of the last decade, revealing its troubled history and need for reform.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2021
Publisher: Scribe Publications

The Secret Service, a storied institution with a rich history, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. From its inception in 1865 in the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln's assassination to the events of the past decade, including the Kennedy assassination, the mismanagement of the Obama and Trump administrations, and the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, this agency has faced a series of challenges and controversies.

In her extensive reporting for The Washington Post, Carol Leonnig has shed light on the secrets, scandals, and shortcomings that plague the Secret Service today. The agency has been plagued by a toxic work culture, outdated equipment, and deep resentment among its ranks, with some agency leaders prioritizing protecting the agency's image over addressing its flaws.

The Secret Service's story begins in earnest in 1963, with the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Shocked into reform by its failure to protect the president, the agency underwent a radical transformation into an elite, highly trained unit that would redeem itself several times, most famously in 1981 when it thwarted an assassination attempt against Ronald Reagan.

However, the Secret Service's reputation for courage and excellence would not last forever. By the time of Barack Obama's presidency, the agency was running on fumes and beset by mistakes and alarming lapses in judgment. Break-ins at the White House, an armed gunman firing into the windows of the residence while confused agents stood by, and a massive prostitution scandal among agents in Cartagena were just a few of the issues that plagued the agency.

With Donald Trump's arrival, a series of promised reforms were cast aside, as a president disdainful of public service instead abused the Secret Service. The agency was used as a personal protective detail for Trump and his family, with agents being tasked with tasks that were outside their traditional purview, such as guarding Trump's golf courses and attending his rallies. This led to concerns about the agency's ability to maintain its independence and impartiality.

The mismanagement of the Secret Service during the Obama and Trump administrations was not limited to the president's personal protection. The agency also faced challenges in responding to threats and incidents, such as the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the 2016 presidential election. In both cases, the agency was criticized for its response and its ability to protect the public and the candidates.

The insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, was a stark reminder of the challenges that the Secret Service faces. The agency was tasked with protecting the U.S. Capitol and the members of Congress, but it was overwhelmed by a large crowd of protesters who stormed the building. This incident highlighted the agency's lack of preparedness and its failure to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies.

In conclusion, the Secret Service has a rich history of protecting the nation's leaders and the public. However, the agency has faced a series of challenges and controversies over the years, from its failure to protect President Kennedy to the mismanagement of the Obama and Trump administrations and the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. It is essential that the agency undergoes a thorough reform to address its flaws and restore its reputation as a trusted and effective institution.

Weight: 686g
Dimension: 154 x 235 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914484216