Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Randolph Alles: Trump fires US Secret Service director in latest cleaning out of top officials

The departure follows just a day after the secretary of Homeland Security announced her resignation

Clark Mindock
New York
Monday 08 April 2019 09:30 EDT
Comments
Kirstjen Nielsen: US Homeland Security chief resigns

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump has instructed his acting chief of staff to fire the head of the Secret Service, as a part of a sweep to purge the top leadership ranks in America’s immigration and national security apparatus.

Mr Trump reportedly told Mick Mulvaney to fire Randolph Alles two weeks ago, marking the latest top official to be forced out of their position during the tumultuous administration.

The news of Mr Alles’ departure follows just a day after Kirstjen Nielsen announced that she was leaving her post as the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and the departure of at least two more top officials is expected imminently.

Among those in the president’s cross hairs are, reportedly L Francis Cissna with US Citizenship and Immigration Services and John Mitnik, the general counsel for the Secret Service.

Mr Alles was appointed to his position two years ago, and came into the job after serving time in the Marines.

The outgoing Secret Service head is expected to be replaced with career agent James Murray, who is expected to take over that role in May, according to White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

The departures indicate unstable circumstances at the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Secret Service.

More firings or departures may be coming in the coming weeks, as the dust settles from Ms Nielsen’s abrupt resignation.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in