In a startling claim, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., alleged during a recent interview on Newsmax that five active kill teams, some with foreign ties, are attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential nominee. Gaetz expressed skepticism over the Secret Service's readiness to protect Trump, questioning whether the agency is adequately prepared to confront the significant threats posed by these teams.
Gaetz, who has been outspoken in his support of Trump, shared details that a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official had briefed him about foreign assassination teams linked to Pakistan, Ukraine, and Iran, with additional teams reportedly emerging within the United States. He emphasized the gravity of the situation and suggested that the Secret Service, under acting director Ronald Rowe Jr., may not be fully prepared to handle the threats.
This controversy arose after Ryan Wesley Routh, who Gaetz described as being "rhetorically wrapped in the Ukrainian flag," allegedly managed to wait near Trump's golf course undetected. Gaetz cited this incident as evidence of security lapses and criticized the Secret Service's approach, describing the agency’s current leadership as ineffective in addressing the threat environment surrounding the former president.
According to Gaetz, while the Pakistan-linked team poses less concern, the Iran-linked teams present a far more serious danger. He also raised suspicions about the motivations behind the Secret Service's lack of enhanced security measures for Trump. Gaetz hinted at a "theory" shared with him by some members of the Secret Service rank and file, suggesting that internal government diversity initiatives and social promotions could be hindering the decision to strengthen Trump’s security detail.
Gaetz posited that providing Trump with the full-scale security he needs would make him appear more powerful and authoritative, which, he argued, might not align with certain political optics. This, Gaetz claimed, may be a reason for the delays in ramping up security for the former president—a theory he said could stem from a desire to downplay Trump’s influence rather than incompetence within the Secret Service.
The congressman expressed deep concern that Trump's security might be compromised for political reasons, likening the situation to practices seen in "Third World countries" where leading figures are deliberately underprotected for strategic purposes.
While the allegations made by Gaetz have garnered attention, it is crucial to note that the Secret Service, as well as other federal agencies, have not confirmed the existence of these supposed kill teams. Ronald Rowe, acting director of the Secret Service, stated that he was unaware of the specific threats mentioned by Gaetz.
EconoTimes cannot independently verify the allegations made by Rep. Matt Gaetz or the existence of the supposed assassination teams targeting Donald Trump. The claims reflect ongoing concerns about security preparedness and political tensions ahead of the 2024 election.
The claims made by Gaetz add to the growing political rhetoric surrounding Trump’s security and his campaign for the presidency, raising questions about the extent to which political considerations may affect protective measures for high-profile candidates in the U.S.