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Secret Service Agent Suspended Over Alleged Leak of Vance Helicopter Request

A U.S. Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President JD Vance has been placed on administrative leave following an internal affairs investigation into unauthorized disclosures regarding Vance's attempt to use a military helicopter for a private trip.

July 23, 2026 Ahmet Koçak

Cover Image

US Vice President JD Vance in Washington, April 1, 2026 - Reuters

A U.S. Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President JD Vance's protective detail has been placed on administrative leave after being identified as the suspected source of leaked information concerning Vance's personal travel arrangements.

The internal affairs unit of the protective agency initiated the review following reports detailing operational friction and growing dissatisfaction among security personnel regarding the vice president's scheduling demands.

Disputed Military Resource Allocation

At the center of the inquiry is a recent disclosure that Vance requested a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter to transport his son to a private golf lesson.

Though the planned flight was ultimately canceled due to severe thunderstorms, the request drew sharp internal criticism over the high costs associated with military aircraft utilization, which can reach $24,600 per flight hour according to Department of Defense estimates.

Internal communications between personnel highlighted severe frustration over the perceived misuse of government assets. "That is RIDICULOUS," one individual familiar with the matter stated, adding that "(Mike) Pence and (Kamala) Harris never pulled anything like that."

Operational Friction and Security Concerns

Protection team members allegedly expressed concern that Vance and his office were repeatedly requesting improper assignments and asking for unprecedented deployment of federal resources.

The public release of sensitive operational logistics infuriated senior officials across the White House, the Secret Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

It remains uncertain whether the suspended agent will face formal administrative disciplinary measures or potential criminal charges as the internal affairs investigation continues.

Broader Press Leak Crackdown

The disciplinary action coincides with a wider, aggressive push by the Trump administration to suppress unauthorized disclosures to news media outlets.

In a separate high-profile probe directed by FBI Director Kash Patel, federal investigators recently issued subpoenas to four New York Times reporters to examine sources behind coverage of presidential aircraft security features.