Vance Leak Causes New Headache For Trump

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Vice President JD Vance is facing questions over reports that some members of his Secret Service protective detail have raised concerns about recent travel requests involving his family and the use of government resources.

According to a report citing current and former Secret Service personnel, some supervisors have described several of the travel arrangements as unusually last-minute and more demanding than those made by previous vice presidents. The report claims agents have expressed frustration over what they view as an increased use of government assets for family-related travel.

One example cited involved a planned trip using the vice president’s Marine Two helicopter to transport Vance and one of his young sons to a golf lesson at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. The flight was ultimately canceled because of poor weather, but the report said the proposal contributed to concerns among some members of the protective detail.

The report also stated that vice presidents have traditionally relied on Secret Service vehicles, rather than military aircraft, when transporting family members to local activities. Operation of Marine Two requires authorization from the White House Military Office, and Defense Department estimates have previously placed the helicopter’s operating cost at roughly $16,000 to $24,600 per flight hour.

Individuals familiar with the matter told the outlet that the reported travel requests have affected morale within the Secret Service team assigned to protect Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their children. The report also alleged that some agents created unofficial stickers and commemorative coins joking about the frequency of last-minute travel requests.

Vance’s office defended the vice president and praised the Secret Service for its work. In a statement, the office said the Vance family appreciates the professionalism of the agents who protect them and noted that balancing the responsibilities of the vice presidency with raising a young family presents unique logistical challenges.

The reports come as congressional Democrats are separately examining the use of government resources by FBI Director Kash Patel. Reps. Jamie Raskin and Sen. Dick Durbin have launched an inquiry into Patel’s use of government aircraft and other taxpayer-funded assets following concerns previously raised by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley.

The FBI has defended Patel’s travel and spending practices, arguing that the bureau has operated more efficiently under his leadership while rejecting criticism surrounding his use of government resources.