Americans were shocked this past weekend by a Washington Post report alleging that the Secret Service denied a request for more support in protecting former President Donald Trump.

While Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi initially denied the claim, he later acknowledged that it was true.

Guglielmi claims Secret Service "made modifications"

"The Secret Service has a vast, dynamic, and intricate mission," NBC News quoted Guglielmi as saying in a statement on Sunday.

"Every day we work in a dynamic threat environment to ensure our protectees are safe and secure across multiple events, travel, and other challenging environments," Guglielmi insisted.

"We execute a comprehensive and layered strategy to balance personnel, technology, and specialized operational needs," the spokesperson continued.

"In some instances where specific Secret Service specialized units or resources were not provided, the agency made modifications to ensure the security of the protectee," he added.

"This may include utilizing state or local partners to provide specialized functions or otherwise identifying alternatives to reduce public exposure of a protectee," Guglielmi went on to conclude.

Homeland Security secretary called report "unequivocally false"

NBC News noted how Guglielmi was not alone in initially denying that any resources had been diverted from protecting Trump ahead of the assassination attempt which nearly took his life.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas did so as well a day after the assassination attempt, telling CNN that the suggestion was "baseless and irresponsible" as well as "unequivocally false."

The Washington Post report stated that agents who had been assigned to Trump had sought out magnetometers along with more personnel.

This included agents to screen rally attendees and act as counter-snipers at the large outdoor campaign events which the former president frequently holds.

Secret Service director grilled during Capitol Hill testimony

Monday saw lawmakers grill Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle, someone who the New York Post reported was hired largely due to a push from First Lady Jill Biden's office.

FULL VIDEO: Rep. Pat Fallon of Texas wrecked USSS chief Kim Cheatle on the issue of the sloped roofs and her complete inability to do her job.

"I believe your horrifying ineptitude and lack of skilled leadership is a disgrace. Your obfuscating today is shameful and you should… pic.twitter.com/RbDm1Y69Tb

— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) July 22, 2024