Ronald L. Rowe Jr.

Acting Director Ronald L. Rowe Jr.

Ronald L. Rowe Jr. is an American former law enforcement officer who has served as the acting director of the United States Secret Service since July 2024. Following intense criticism after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned, placing Secret Service Deputy Director Rowe in temporary charge of the agency

The U.S. Secret Service

The U.S. Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency that operates under the Department of Homeland Security. It was founded in 1865, initially to combat the widespread counterfeiting of U.S. currency following the Civil War. Over time, the agency’s responsibilities have expanded significantly, and today, the Secret Service plays a crucial role in both protecting the nation’s leaders and safeguarding the integrity of its financial system.

One of the Secret Service’s most well-known duties is the protection of the president, vice president, their families, and visiting foreign dignitaries. Agents are responsible for ensuring the safety of these individuals, both at home and abroad. They also provide security during major national events, such as presidential inaugurations and international summits. The Secret Service’s protective mission extends to safeguarding key locations, including the White House and the Naval Observatory, and planning for potential threats to national leaders.

In addition to its protective duties, the Secret Service is heavily involved in investigating financial crimes. Its original mission, focused on countering counterfeit currency, has evolved to include a wide range of financial crimes such as credit card fraud, identity theft, and cybercrime. The agency works to protect the nation’s financial infrastructure by investigating complex financial fraud and cyber threats, playing a key role in maintaining public trust in U.S. currency and financial institutions.

The Secret Service operates across the U.S. and internationally, often collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to fulfill its dual roles. Its agents are highly trained and capable of handling both protective operations and investigative duties, making the Secret Service a unique agency with a critical role in national security and financial protection.