President Trump plans to cease holding outdoor rallies following an assassination attempt and encouragement from the Secret Service to do so, according to two sources familiar with his campaign operations.
The current strategy is to conduct indoor rallies, although smaller outdoor events or larger gatherings in secure venues like stadiums are still being considered.
Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung declined to comment on the security measures, directing inquiries to the Secret Service, which did not immediately respond.
The change in venue strategy coincides with the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who accepted “full responsibility for the security lapse” in Pennsylvania. In a Newsmax interview, Trump said of her resignation, “I just heard that she is out and she, I don’t think, had much of a choice.” He also mentioned that his campaign had been requesting additional Secret Service agents at events but was “not getting them.”
Trump has frequently addressed his safety since the July 13 shooting, which resulted in one death and two injuries among rallygoers. During a walkthrough before his prime-time speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Trump noted that he felt safe inside, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Trump's team had initially planned an outdoor arrival and greeting with supporters before his convention speech, but this was canceled after the assassination attempt. In his Newsmax interview, Trump also talked about an indoor rally he held in Michigan, saying, “Do I feel safe? Yeah, I have to feel safe. Otherwise, I guess, I wouldn’t be able to do this stuff.”
