The U.S. Secret Service has placed three employees on administrative leave as part of an ongoing misconduct investigation, the agency confirmed Tuesday. The officials, who do not serve in law enforcement roles, were sidelined while the agency's Office of Professional Responsibility conducts its review. Specific details of the allegations have not been disclosed.
In a statement, the Secret Service emphasized its commitment to professionalism and integrity, noting that its mission to protect the president and other senior officials demands unwavering adherence to ethical standards. "Our critical work demands that our workforce maintain an unwavering commitment to duty, honesty, and courage in all aspects of their jobs," the statement read. The agency pledged to continue pursuing excellence worthy of the public's trust.
This latest internal action follows a turbulent period for the Secret Service, which has faced scrutiny over security lapses and personnel issues. Last month, an agent assigned to Vice President Vance was placed on administrative leave for allegedly leaking sensitive information. That incident came after reports of frustration within Vance's security detail over last-minute travel changes and assignments, based on unnamed current and former agents and administration officials.
The agency has also been under the spotlight amid multiple assassination attempts against President Trump, including a thwarted attack at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in April. A separate probe into an Iranian video targeting Barron Trump has added to the agency's security concerns.
In another incident, the Secret Service coordinated a secret transfer of the president from the aging Air Force One to a backup aircraft while departing Turkey last month, in response to an Iranian threat. The move left many staff and the press corps unaware, raising questions about communication and safety protocols during overseas travel.
The agency's handling of these incidents has drawn bipartisan criticism, with lawmakers calling for greater accountability. The ethics committee has faced pressure to expedite misconduct probes ahead of the midterm elections, highlighting the political stakes of agency behavior.
While the Secret Service has not commented on the specific nature of the latest misconduct allegations, the administrative leaves signal an internal push to address potential violations. The agency's Office of Professional Responsibility is expected to continue its investigation, though no timeline for resolution has been provided.
Observers note that the repeated personnel issues could undermine public confidence in an agency tasked with protecting the nation's highest officials. As the Secret Service works to rebuild trust, its leadership has stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards of conduct.
