On January 23, 2025, President Trump appointed Sean Curran as the new director of the U.S. Secret Service. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised Curran as a “Great Patriot,” citing his experience in protecting Trump’s family and his bravery during an assassination attempt in July 2024.
- Trump appoints Sean Curran as Secret Service director.
- Curran previously protected Trump's family and life.
- Appointment bypasses bipartisan commission recommendations.
- No Senate confirmation required for the position.
- Curran's first role at Secret Service headquarters.
Sean Curran’s appointment follows his four years as the special agent in charge of Trump’s security detail, where he managed 85 personnel. He joined the Secret Service in September 2001 and was promoted to deputy special agent in charge of the Presidential Protective Detail at the end of 2022. This unit is responsible for safeguarding both the current president and their family.
The decision to appoint Curran diverges from recommendations made by two bipartisan commissions that suggested selecting a director from outside the agency. Unlike other cabinet positions, this appointment does not require Senate confirmation.
- Curran oversaw Trump’s protective team during a critical period.
- He acted heroically during an assassination attempt on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania.
- This will be Curran’s first position at Secret Service headquarters; he is not currently part of the Senior Executive Service.
Curran replaces Ron Rowe, who served as acting director since July after former director Kimberly Cheatle stepped down due to criticism over security failures during a campaign rally that resulted in injuries and one fatality. With this new role, Curran faces significant responsibilities overseeing one of America‘s key protective agencies while navigating past controversies surrounding its operations.
This appointment marks a pivotal moment for both Sean Curran and the Secret Service as they prepare to address ongoing challenges related to presidential protection amid heightened scrutiny following recent events.
