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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ช Belgium /Environment & Climate

J.D. Vance's security agent suspended over leaked helicopter use info

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A Secret Service agent working for U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has been suspended for allegedly leaking sensitive information to the press.
  • The leaked details concerned Vance's alleged plans to use a government helicopter, Marine Two, for personal reasons, including taking his son to golf lessons and house hunting.
  • The incident has reportedly caused frustration among Secret Service agents regarding the Vance family's last-minute requests and perceived misuse of resources, with comparisons made to previous administrations.

A Secret Service agent assigned to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has been temporarily suspended following an internal investigation into alleged leaks of sensitive information to the press. The leaks, reported by CNN citing internal sources, reportedly involved the agent sharing details about Vance's travel plans and habits.

The information shared with the news outlet MS NOW pertained to the use of the government helicopter, Marine Two. Specifically, it was revealed that Vance had intended to use the helicopter to transport his son to private golf lessons. However, the flight was ultimately canceled due to adverse weather conditions, and a subsequent planned flight was also scrapped, with the son now expected to travel by car.

They never stick to the schedule and that costs a lot of taxpayer money

โ€” Anonymous witnessMS NOW reported on the alleged misuse of the helicopter and the resulting frustration among agents.

Further reports indicate ongoing frustration within Vance's Secret Service detail. Agents are reportedly displeased with the Vance family's frequent last-minute requests and cancellations of plans. Vance himself allegedly used Marine Two to view properties on the housing market in Middleburg, Virginia. Such unpredictable scheduling often requires agents to work on short notice, disrupting personal time and vacations.

Pence and (Kamala) Harris would never have done something like that

โ€” Anonymous witnessMS NOW cited sources within the Secret Service comparing Vance's alleged actions to previous administrations.

While there are no written rules prohibiting the use of military helicopters for private purposes, there is a general understanding to avoid such use. The Vance family's actions are seen by some as a breach of this unspoken agreement, causing discontent among the security team. Anonymous sources cited by MS NOW suggested that former Vice Presidents Mike Pence and Kamala Harris would not have engaged in similar behavior. The cost of operating Marine Two is substantial, with estimates from 2022 placing the hourly expense between $16,000 and $24,000 in taxpayer money.

The Vance family has responded by expressing gratitude for the Secret Service agents' dedication. A spokesperson stated, "It is a challenging assignment to protect the Vice President and his young, growing family, but the Secret Service agents do an excellent job every day."

It is a challenging assignment to protect the Vice President and his young, growing family, but the Secret Service agents do an excellent job every day

โ€” Vance family spokespersonThe Vance family's response to the reports about the Secret Service agent's suspension and alleged misuse of resources.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.