Three U.S. Secret Service officials were placed on administrative leave on August 27, 2026, pending an investigation by the agency's professional standards office. The officials were operating in non-law-enforcement roles and are being investigated for potential misconduct, according to the agency's public information office. The specific reasons for this action have not been disclosed as the Office of Professional Responsibility begins its review.
The Secret Service has faced scrutiny in recent years, particularly concerning President Donald Trump, who has been the target of at least three assassination plots. In April 2026, an armed individual breached security at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, which Trump attended.
Additional incidents have drawn attention to the Secret Service. Last month, the Justice Department issued subpoenas to New York Times journalists following a report on security issues related to a new Air Force One gifted by Qatar. These subpoenas were later withdrawn. The Times reported that Trump was advised to leave Turkey on the old Air Force One due to Secret Service concerns about potential threats.
Trump confirmed earlier this month that he had discreetly departed from Air Force One while leaving Turkey, as the Secret Service and military recommended a different aircraft due to assassination concerns from Iran. This confirmation followed a report by The Washington Post detailing the circumstances of his departure, which involved some staff, Secret Service agents, and journalists flying on the old model Air Force One while Trump was transported on an alternate military plane.
Additionally, the Secret Service confirmed that one of its agents assigned to Vice President JD Vance's security detail is under investigation for allegations related to a suspected news leak. This investigation is connected to a July report by MS NOW that highlighted frustrations among agents regarding last-minute travel requests from Vance and his family.