A member of Vice President JD Vance's U.S. Secret Service protective detail is under internal investigation and could also face a criminal inquiry over allegations that sensitive information related to the vice president's security was leaked to the media, according to the Secret Service.
The agency confirmed to CNN on Thursday that one of its employees assigned to Vance's protective detail has been placed under investigation following allegations that confidential operational information may have been improperly disclosed.
While officials have not publicly identified the employee or specified exactly what information was allegedly shared, the Secret Service said any unauthorized disclosure involving a protectee's security is treated as an extremely serious matter.
"Any actions that potentially jeopardize the safety and security of our protectees are unacceptable," Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement, adding that the agency has "zero tolerance" for conduct that compromises operational security. He said the investigation remains ongoing and declined to comment further because of the active inquiry.
According to CNN, the investigation is internal and could become criminal. Officials have not announced whether the employee has been formally disciplined beyond the ongoing investigation or whether prosecutors have become directly involved.
The probe follows recent media reports describing frustrations within Vance's Secret Service detail over the vice president's travel schedule. Last week, MS NOW published a report citing unnamed current and former personnel who alleged that agents had grown frustrated with frequent last-minute travel changes and logistical demands associated with protecting Vance and his family.
The report included descriptions of certain travel requests and operational challenges, though it did not disclose classified security procedures. The Secret Service has not confirmed whether the investigation is directly tied to those published reports or whether additional information was allegedly disclosed beyond what appeared in the media. Vance's office declined to comment on the investigation, referring questions to the Secret Service.
Protective operations have become increasingly complex in recent years as federal officials face elevated security threats. Secret Service Director Sean Curran has previously said the agency is confronting a record number of threats against those under its protection, including President Donald Trump, requiring heightened vigilance and tighter operational security.
The investigation comes during an especially busy period for Vance's security team. The vice president maintains an active domestic and international travel schedule while also balancing family responsibilities. Vance, his wife Usha, and their children reside at the U.S. Naval Observatory, the official vice presidential residence.
Federal officials have not indicated when the investigation is expected to conclude or whether criminal charges could ultimately be filed. For now, authorities say the review remains active as investigators seek to determine whether confidential information was improperly shared and whether any security protocols were compromised.
