David Cho Secret Service

David Cho is an American security officer and former U.S. Secret Service agent who served as Special Agent In Charge of the Presidential Protective Division detail for U.S. President Joe Biden. Before joining Biden’s team, he led the protective detail for former President Donald Trump, becoming the first South Korean-American to hold that role during Biden’s presidency in January 2021. Cho was appointed head of Biden's security detail after several agents were removed due to concerns about their loyalty to Trump.

In his career, Cho received the "Exceptional Service Medal" from the Secretary of Homeland Security in 2019 for his role in negotiating with North Korean officials and arranging security for Trump’s summits with Kim Jong Un. He was also praised for promoting diversity in leadership roles during the Biden inauguration.

Despite his high-profile position, Cho faced unfounded conspiracy theories suggesting he acted as a "Chinese handler" due to his race and proximity to Biden. As per Secret Service protocols, the head of the Presidential Protective Division maintains close contact with the President at all times.

Cho retired from the Secret Service in December 2021 to work as deputy head of security for Citadel LLC, a hedge fund managed by Kenneth C. Griffin, starting January 3, 2022.