JD Vance’s Secret Service agent placed on leave after sharing sensitive details with ‘romantic interest’

Security breach via “romantic interest” sting

A US Secret Service agent tasked with protecting Vice President JD Vance has been placed on administrative leave after allegedly sharing sensitive security details with someone he believed he was romantically involved with, who later turned out to be undercover journalist James O’Keefe.

The agent, Tomas Escotto, has served with the Secret Service for about five years. Materials released by the James O’Keefe Media Group purport to show Escotto speaking candidly about internal security arrangements and airing personal frustrations about US President Donald Trump, including criticism of his immigration policies and opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

After the footage emerged, the Secret Service moved quickly, revoking Escotto’s security clearance, cutting off his access to agency systems and facilities, and opening a formal investigation. He has since been placed on administrative leave while the inquiry continues.

What the recordings allegedly reveal

According to the material made public, Escotto is alleged to have disclosed how the Vice President’s security detail operates, including the physical formation around JD Vance, internal shift changes and aspects of advance planning. He is also accused of sharing details of the Vice President’s travel schedule, in some cases several days in advance.

The recordings also show Escotto sending photographs from aboard Air Force Two while travelling with the Vice President. In the footage released by O’Keefe’s group, he is heard acknowledging that he had signed a non-disclosure agreement that barred him from sharing sensitive information, but still went on to discuss operational details with someone he believed was a casual romantic contact.

Secret Service response

Confirming the investigation, the US Secret Service said it had taken immediate steps to limit any potential security fallout from the incident. Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said the agency was reinforcing safeguards across the service.

“The US Secret Service has also issued an order for all personnel to retake the agency’s required anti-espionage training in order to ensure employees are aware of the threats posed by individuals aiming to exploit agency employees for information about our protective operations,” Matthew Quinn said.