- Secret Service agent assigned to protect Vice-President JD Vance has been suspended and is under investigation over allegations of leaking sensitive information, the agency said on Thursday.
- The specifics of what was leaked have not been released, but the USSS said the agent faced a "potential criminal inquiry", involving allegations of compromising operational and information security.
- Frustration among agents has resulted in some making custom coins and stickers mocking the vice president and his family’s irregular trips.
- A member of the Vice Presidential Protective Division is the subject of an administrative investigation, and potential criminal inquiry, involving allegations of compromising operational and information security.
- Agents have expressed concerns about Vance and his office pressing them for trips and assignments that some agents consider an inappropriate or even unprecedented use of government resources compared to prior vice presidents.
- Threats against protectees, including President Donald Trump, have seen a sharp rise in numbers, according to agency officials.
- Secret Service Director Sean Curran described the agency as operating in the most dangerous threat environment of his 24-year career, citing a sharp rise in threats against public officials.
- Agents have opened nearly 10,000 threat investigations since January, indicating the heightened security concerns.
A Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President JD Vance's detail is under investigation for allegedly leaking sensitive information, prompting concerns about operational security. The agent's suspension follows reports of agents feeling 'fed up' with Vance's demands for travel arrangements, which they view as unprecedented compared to previous vice presidents.1
The specifics of the leak remain undisclosed, but the Secret Service confirmed a potential criminal inquiry is underway. According to spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi, “Any conduct that potentially threatens the safety of a protectee will not be tolerated.” The investigation was triggered by a report detailing Vance's request for a helicopter ride for his son to a golf lesson, which was ultimately canceled due to bad weather.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran has described the current threat environment as the most dangerous in his 24-year career, with nearly 10,000 threat investigations opened since January. This increase is attributed to a mix of online threats, lone actors, and ideological extremism. Agents have expressed frustration over Vance's use of government resources, with some even creating custom coins mocking the vice president's family trips.7
The agent's case is now being handled by the agency's internal affairs component, and it remains unclear whether the investigation will lead to disciplinary action or criminal charges.
“The suspended agent is suspected of leaking details of Vance's request to fly his son to a golf lesson via Marine Corps helicopter, a trip canceled due to thunderstorms. Secret Service Director Sean Curran said the threat environment is 'off the charts,' with nearly 10,000 threat investigations opened since January.”
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