Critics Blame Biden’s Diversity Focus For Security Failures In Trump Assassination Attempt
In the wake of a near-fatal shooting targeting former President Donald Trump, critics have pointed to President Joe Biden’s focus on diversity hires as a significant factor contributing to the administration’s perceived inefficacy. Rusty Weiss, writing for RedState, has argued that the administration’s prioritization of identity politics over competence has resulted in dangerous lapses in security and governance.
The assassination attempt occurred at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, where the shooter’s bullet narrowly missed Trump but killed a supporter and injured others. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has come under fire for the security breach, with Weiss criticizing her response as inadequate and indicative of a broader issue within the Biden administration.
Weiss claims that Cheatle, described by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-KY) as a “diversity hire,” was selected for her position primarily because she is a woman. According to Weiss, this trend of prioritizing diversity over qualifications has compromised the effectiveness of key officials. The Daily Mail also criticized Cheatle’s focus on increasing female representation within the Secret Service, arguing that this has come at the expense of robust security measures.
The critique does not stop with Cheatle. Weiss extends his argument to other high-profile members of Biden’s administration, including DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Mayorkas, heralded as the “first Latino and immigrant” to serve as DHS Secretary, is accused of neglecting requests for enhanced security for Trump and presiding over an unprecedented border crisis. Buttigieg, celebrated as the “first openly gay member of a presidential Cabinet,” is criticized for his handling of transportation crises, including frequent train derailments and airport disruptions.
Weiss also targets White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Vice President Kamala Harris. Jean-Pierre, noted for being female, Black, and a lesbian, is described as struggling to effectively communicate the administration’s achievements. Harris, chosen for her gender and race, is depicted as ineffectual, particularly in her role addressing immigration issues.
In his critique, Weiss argues that the Biden administration’s approach has resulted in a “badly failed experiment.” He suggests that the focus on diversity has led to widespread incompetence, with officials selected for their identity rather than their ability to perform their roles effectively. Weiss contends that this approach has jeopardized national security and undermined the administration’s credibility.
Weiss concludes by calling for an end to what he describes as the “affirmative action presidency.” He urges voters to prioritize competence and qualifications over identity in the upcoming election, emphasizing the need for a return to merit-based appointments in order to restore effective governance and ensure national security.