Matthew C. Quinn, the U.S. Secret Service’s Deputy Director, announced his resignation on Friday, October 16, marking a significant leadership change within the federal agency responsible for protecting President Donald Trump and other high-ranking government officials. Quinn, who holds the agency’s second-highest position, confirmed his decision in a public statement and an internal letter to Secret Service personnel, stating his departure will be effective November 7.
"Swarms are a huge problem and a big threat. I’d love to tell you the swarm problem is solved. It’s not." Matthew C. Quinn, U.S. Secret Service Deputy Director
In a post on X, Quinn wrote, "Today I informed the men and women of the Secret Service that I will be transitioning out of my role as Deputy Director." He further clarified that he and Secret Service Director Sean Curran had been coordinating his departure for several months, indicating a planned transition rather than an abrupt decision. This suggests that the move was contemplated well in advance of Friday's public announcement.
Quinn's tenure as Deputy Director lasted approximately 18 months, having returned to government service in May 2025. Director Curran had personally requested Quinn to come out of retirement to assist in overseeing organizational changes. Prior to this, Quinn had retired in 2021 after a distinguished career spanning more than two decades with the Secret Service, during which he held various senior positions focused on protective operations and specialized security assignments.
In an internal letter obtained by NewsNation, Quinn elaborated on his decision, explaining that his most recent assignment was never intended to become a permanent second career. He recounted telling Director Curran last year that his intention was to complete his objectives and eventually return to retirement. "One of my goals was to work myself out of this job as quickly as possible," Quinn wrote. "No timeline, just the right time, and I believe that time is now."
Quinn acknowledged that personal considerations played a role in his decision but underscored his unwavering confidence in the agency’s future direction and capabilities. He described his 18 months as Deputy Director as among the most rewarding periods of his professional life. His departure comes as the Secret Service continues to grapple with increasingly complex security threats, notably the escalating use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones.
Just days before his resignation announcement, Quinn appeared alongside Director Curran during an October 11 interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes.” During the segment, both officials addressed the evolving threats confronting the agency, particularly the formidable challenges associated with safeguarding high-profile individuals and government facilities from potential drone attacks. Quinn specifically addressed the complexities of coordinated drone operations, stating, "Swarms are a huge problem and a big threat." He candidly added, "I’d love to tell you the swarm problem is solved. It’s not." Despite these challenges, Quinn expressed strong confidence in the agency's capacity to protect the White House, describing it as an exceptionally secure location. His remarks highlighted the critical importance of enhancing counter-drone capabilities in response to contemporary national security concerns.
Before his return to the Secret Service in 2025, Quinn served as a senior vice president at Fortem Technologies, a company specializing in counter-drone systems, according to Trending Politics. This background provided him with direct experience in developing technology designed to identify and intercept potentially dangerous unmanned aircraft, including the company's DroneHunter platform. During his second stint with the agency, Quinn primarily focused on organizational reforms, personnel recruitment, and improvements in operational readiness. The Secret Service reported a net increase of 929 law enforcement personnel during the current fiscal year, a significant rise compared to the 87 recorded in the previous year. Quinn cited these improvements as evidence that the organization is better positioned to address future challenges effectively. He also commended the agency’s robust ability to develop leadership internally, suggesting that future deputy directors should ideally be selected from within its existing ranks.
Despite his impending departure, Quinn indicated his willingness to remain available to assist the agency when necessary. He encouraged all employees to continue supporting one another and to uphold the stringent standards required of their demanding positions. The Secret Service has not yet announced who will succeed Quinn when his resignation takes effect on November 7. His departure occurs during a period of heightened scrutiny on presidential security, with federal officials continuously evaluating evolving threats and fortifying protective operations. For now, Quinn maintains that his decision reflects the successful completion of his intended assignment and his profound confidence in the agency’s leadership, rather than any sudden change in operational direction.
