White House Not Told About Secret Service's Decision to Remove Four Directors

Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters on Thursday that the White House was not told ahead of time about Acting Secret Service Director Joe Clancy’s decision to remove four assistant directors from their positions at the agency on Tuesday. The Washington Post first reported the shake-up at the Secret Service after receiving a statement from Clancy.

Earnest said during Thursday’s White House press conference, “This is a decision that was made by the Acting Director of the Secret Service, Joe Clancy. The White House was not informed in advance.” He said that the White House was aware of the director’s efforts to reform the agency and the changes that were announced are consistent with the findings of a DHS panel’s review of the Secret Service.

“So the White House, the West Wing, and even the president is certainly very supportive of Mr. Clancy’s efforts to reform the agency, consistent with the goal of trying to strengthen the ability of that agency to perform the very important work that they do on a daily basis,” Earnest said, adding that the president would be supportive of Director Clancy taking additional steps to reform the agency.

Clancy informed the four assistant directors, who oversee protection, investigations, technology, and public affairs at the Secret Service, on Tuesday that they must leave their leadership positions.

“Change is necessary to gain a fresh perspective on how we conduct business,” Clancy said in a statement to The Washington Post. “I am certain any of our senior executives will be productive and valued assets either in other positions at the Secret Service or the department.”

A DHS-appointed panel concluded last month that the agency is suffering from low morale among the rank-and-file and is “starved for leadership.”Clancy cited the panel’s report and said he also based his decision this week on his own assessment of the agency.