A member of US Vice President JD Vance’s protective detail has been removed from his post pending an investigation into allegations that the agent may have compromised the vice president’s security, the US Secret Service has confirmed.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the agent is under administrative investigation and could also be subject to criminal investigation for operational and information security issues.
“While we will not comment on the specifics of this matter, one principle is unequivocal: any conduct that potentially threatens the safety of a protectee will not be tolerated,” Guglielmi said in a statement.
The development was first reported by CNN, citing sources familiar with the situation. The agent was said to be suspected of leaking information that was later used in an MS NOW report that alleged complaints from Secret Service personnel about Vance's travel arrangements and official schedule.
Concerns Over Marine Two Trip
The investigation is linked to allegations that Secret Service agents had raised concerns about Vance’s plan to travel with his son aboard Marine Two to Joint Base Andrews for a golf lesson.
The helicopter trip was canceled later because of severe weather. But the plan raised internal issues with some agents who felt that some of the assignments and travel plans might be an inappropriate use of government resources, some agents said.
The investigation is expected to examine whether information about internal discussions was improperly disclosed and if any such disclosure compromised operational or information security.
NBC News reported that Vance's schedule changes frequently because of important meetings and events. The changing schedule puts more pressure on the Secret Service, said an administration official.
The official also pointed out that Vance, unlike many recent vice presidents, has young children and tries to spend significant time with them, and that is a source of increased responsibility for his protective detail.
The administration official said that Marine Two is a common helicopter route to transport the vice president's official residence to Joint Base Andrews. The official said that such a trip is less likely to involve local law enforcement and security resources than a motorcade.
Secret Service Conduct Under Scrutiny
The removal of the agent comes as the Secret Service investigates allegations that information related to the vice president’s protective operations may have been compromised.
The agency has not disclosed the identity of the agent— nor has it provided details on the allegations. It also has not said whether the agent is suspected of leaking information to journalists.
Guglielmi said the agency considers any conduct that could potentially threaten the safety of a protectee to be a serious matter.
It comes at a time when the investigations also reflect a larger Trump administration paranoia around leaks to the media. The administration has aggressively fought back against leaks to the media that are not authorized.
Recently, the Justice Department issued subpoenas to New York Times reporters who were involved in coverage of security concerns related to the new Air Force One.
A judge could hear the newspaper’s challenge to those subpoenas. The Justice Department has said its investigation is focused on individuals accused of leaking classified information rather than journalists themselves.
The investigation of Vance's protective detail is separate, and authorities have not suggested that the Secret Service agent is accused of leaking classified information.
For now, the agent will be removed from the vice president’s protective duty and investigators are exploring the allegations. More could follow if the administrative review and any criminal inquiry.
