A U.S. Secret Service agent has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations of compromising operational and information security, a spokesperson confirmed. The agent is suspected of being the source for a recent media report detailing Vice President JD Vance's travel arrangements and special requests.
The investigation comes as the Secret Service grapples with an increasing number of threats against those it protects. Secret Service Director Sean Curran recently stated that the agency is facing one of the most challenging threat environments in its history, having initiated probes into 10,000 threats in the current year.
CNN first reported that the agent had been placed on leave. The probe is reportedly connected to a story published last week that claimed Vance's security detail was frustrated by what it described as the second family's habit of making last-minute travel plans and special requests. Specific incidents cited in the report included a request for the vice president and his son to travel via Marine Two, the vice presidential helicopter, for a golf lesson at Joint Base Andrews, which was ultimately canceled due to weather. The report also mentioned several last-minute helicopter trips the Vances allegedly took while house-hunting in northern Virginia.
"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," the Secret Service spokesperson said.
This incident occurs within a broader context of efforts to curb leaks. Earlier this month, four New York Times reporters were subpoenaed in connection with a story about potential security vulnerabilities in former President Trump's new Air Force One. The Secret Service has been working to address rising threats, with Curran noting that the current threat landscape is as volatile as he has ever seen, affecting not only protectees but also local officials.
The Vances, who have four young children, recently welcomed their fifth child. Vance has also been engaged in diplomatic efforts, including peace negotiations with Iran, and has been promoting his new book, "Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith."