A Secret Service agent assigned to JD Vance's protective detail is under investigation for allegedly compromising operational and information security, the agency confirmed.
The agent came under suspicion after allegedly providing information that appeared in an MS Now report about the vice-president's planned Marine Corps helicopter trip with his son to a golf lesson, a source told CNN. The trip was ultimately called off due to severe thunderstorms.
Investigation Details
The Secret Service chief of communications, Anthony Guglielmi, said in a statement: "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."
Guglielmi added: "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."
Broader Context
The publication of the travel plans triggered unease among the Secret Service, the FBI and White House officials, who "fumed over operational details being described in the press", a source told CNN. A second source said investigators identified the individual believed responsible for the leak.
The agent's case is now being handled by the agency's internal affairs component. It is not yet known whether the investigation will lead to internal disciplinary action, criminal charges or both.
The investigation comes as the Trump administration continues an aggressive push against unauthorized leaks to the media. Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that the Trump administration subpoenaed its reporters as part of a leak investigation involving a story about issues with the aircraft that Trump received as a gift from Qatar.
