Secret Service Retains Plus-Size Model Agent Failing Fitness Tests Amid Diversity Push

Recent reports have highlighted significant concerns within the U.S. Secret Service under the leadership influenced by former Director Kimberly Cheatle, particularly related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. One notable case involves Alison Zupancic, a plus-size model and body-positive advocate who served on the detail protecting Vice President Kamala Harris's stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, despite repeatedly failing the agency's physical fitness tests. After these failures, Zupancic was reassigned to support roles such as maintenance of armored vehicles and mail screening at the White House. Critics argue that DEI policies under Cheatle's tenure lowered physical standards and introduced practices that some view as compromising the agency's operational effectiveness, including recruitment targets and accommodations for various groups. These changes have allegedly contributed to a decline in experienced personnel retention and raised security concerns, particularly following the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump. Secret Service Chief Sean Curran, who succeeded Cheatle, has made controversial personnel decisions, including promotions of figures associated with the previous leadership, amid ongoing scrutiny of the agency's culture and readiness.