A senior U.S. Secret Service official has announced his resignation, marking another leadership change at the federal agency responsible for protecting President Donald Trump and other high-ranking government officials.
Matthew C. Quinn, the Secret Service’s deputy director, confirmed Friday, October 16, that he will step down November 7 after approximately 18 months in the position.
Quinn, who serves as the agency’s second-highest-ranking official, announced the decision in a public statement and an internal letter to Secret Service personnel.
“Today I informed the men and women of the Secret Service that I will be transitioning out of my role as Deputy Director,” Quinn wrote on X.
He explained that he and Secret Service Director Sean Curran had been coordinating his departure for several months, suggesting the transition had been planned well before Friday’s announcement.
Quinn, the agency’s 24th deputy director, returned to government service in May 2025 after Curran personally requested that he come out of retirement to help oversee changes within the organization.
He previously retired in 2021 after more than two decades with the Secret Service, having held several senior positions involving protective operations and specialized security assignments.
In an internal letter obtained by NewsNation, Quinn explained that his latest assignment was never intended to become a permanent second career.
He recalled telling Curran last year that he wanted 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 influenced his decision but emphasized his confidence in the agency’s future.
He described his 18 months as deputy director as among the most rewarding of his career.
His departure comes as the Secret Service continues confronting increasingly complex security threats, including the growing use of unmanned aerial systems.
Just days before announcing his resignation, Quinn appeared alongside Curran during an October 11 interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes.”
The two officials discussed emerging threats facing the agency, particularly the challenges associated with protecting high-profile individuals and government facilities from drone attacks.
During the interview, Quinn acknowledged that the Secret Service had not fully resolved the dangers posed by coordinated drone operations.
“Swarms are a huge problem and a big threat,” Quinn said.
“I’d love to tell you the swarm problem is solved. It’s not.”
However, Quinn expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to protect the White House, describing it as an exceptionally secure location.
His comments came as officials highlighted the importance of strengthening counter-drone capabilities amid evolving national security concerns.
Before returning to the Secret Service, Quinn worked as a senior vice president at Fortem Technologies, a company specializing in counter-drone systems, per Trending Politics.
The company develops technology designed to identify and intercept potentially dangerous unmanned aircraft, including its DroneHunter platform.
During his second stint with the agency, Quinn focused on organizational changes, personnel recruitment and improvements in operational readiness.
The Secret Service recorded a net increase of 929 law enforcement personnel during the current fiscal year, compared with 87 the previous year.
Quinn pointed to those improvements as evidence that the organization is better positioned to address future challenges.
He also praised the agency’s ability to develop leadership internally, suggesting that future deputy directors should be selected from within its existing ranks.
Despite his departure, Quinn indicated that he intends to remain available to assist the agency when necessary.
He encouraged employees to continue supporting one another while maintaining the standards required of their positions.
The Secret Service has not announced who will succeed Quinn when his resignation takes effect November 7.
His departure comes during a period of heightened attention on presidential security, with federal officials continuing to assess evolving threats and strengthen protective operations.
For now, Quinn maintains that his decision reflects the completion of his intended assignment and confidence in the agency’s leadership rather than a sudden change in direction.
