Hollywood producer Tyler Perry's mock White House served as a training ground for Secret Service agents.

In 2023, due to insufficient funding, Secret Service agents utilized a mock White House created by Hollywood producer Tyler Perry in Atlanta for a training exercise.

On "The Daily" podcast by The New York Times, investigative reporter Eric Lipton revealed the substandard training equipment and spaces at the agency following the July 13 assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

"The Secret Service is facing a shortage of proper training facilities, leading them to send personnel to a mock White House built by Tyler Perry in Georgia for training."

The Air Force One protection training has utilized the front half of a 1960s-style retired airplane.

In 2014, the U.S. Secret Service constructed a replica White House for scenario-based training under real-world conditions, as recommended by an independent protective mission panel following security issues at the White House.

"The White House serves as a secure office complex, a national museum, and a family residence, which limits the agency's ability to train personnel on-site. In 2023, former Director Kimberly Cheatle collaborated with Mr. Tyler Perry and his staff to study the White House replica used for filming in Atlanta. Additionally, we conducted a scenario-based training exercise at that facility to assess how a similar model could be utilized in Maryland for training future special agents, officers, and partner agencies from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia who would respond to a potential emergency or critical incident."

The former Fort McPherson Army base now hosts Perry's replica White House, along with various other set and stage designs on a 330-acre lot.

"Guglielmi stated that the construction planning of the White House Defense Training Facility has been advanced with the help of Congress and the Department of Homeland Security over the past year. He expressed gratitude for Congress's initial investments, which were vital in kick-starting this significant project."

According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, Congress allocated over $3 billion to the Secret Service last year.

The Secret Service has experienced a slight decline in staffing from 7,811 employees in 2021 to 7,689 employees in 2023, while the number of protectees the agency is responsible for has nearly doubled since 2015.

During the time when Trump was shot, the Secret Service was also providing security for the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

"In 2014, an assailant breached the White House perimeter, prompting a discussion about the need for a training facility. Despite the passage of over a decade, the funding to construct this facility at their Maryland location has not been allocated."

The July 13 assassination attempt brought to light the Secret Service's need for enhanced training and readiness, as 20-year-old gunman Thomas Crooks managed to shoot eight rounds from a rooftop 130 yards away, grazing Trump's ear.

Corey Comperatore, a retired volunteer fire chief, was fatally shot by crooks during a rally, while two others, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, were critically injured.

"Lipton stated on the podcast that there are few jobs where perfection is required, and any mistakes in protecting the president could result in the president's death. The job demands absolute precision, which attracts a specific type of individual."

On July 23, 10 days after the shooting in Butler, Acting Director Ronald Rowe was appointed to replace Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned following the initial assassination attempt against Trump.

The House of Representatives passed a bill on Sept. 20 to enhance Secret Service protection assignments.

"Rowe stated that Congress's short-term funding will help the U.S. Secret Service improve security measures in the near future. He expressed hope that Congress would provide full-year funding to provide the necessary personnel, technology, and equipment for the workforce to perform their duties effectively."