The United States Secret Service faces allegations of negligence after reportedly hiring an applicant who failed the terrorism section of a polygraph test. This individual is now responsible for evaluating security clearances within the agency. A whistleblower claims that the agency ignored critical “insider-threat” complaints, raising concerns about its vetting processes and commitment to national security.
According to the whistleblower, a former agent who testified before Congress, the Secret Service did not investigate internal reports of a potential insider threat during the Biden administration. Despite failing the polygraph’s terrorism section, the applicant was hired and assigned to assess fellow agents’ security clearances.
Unlike agencies such as the FBI and CIA, the Secret Service reportedly does not require mental health screenings for applicants. RealClearPolitics sought clarification on this policy but received no response. Typically, failing a polygraph disqualifies applicants; however, exceptions are allegedly made for individuals with connections to high-ranking officials, allowing multiple retests until a passing result is achieved.
The whistleblower further alleges that agency officials retaliated against him for pursuing legal complaints by threatening his security clearance, ultimately forcing his resignation after over 20 years of service.
Susan Crabtree, a reporter for RealClearPolitics, explained, “Instead of investigating the individual for posing a potential threat to the agency and the top U.S. officials it protects, including the president and the vice president, the agent alleges he was retaliated against and forced to resign after serving more than 20 years in the Secret Service.
“The agent who reported the insider threat concerns alleges that agency officials are continuing to retaliate against him by threatening his security clearance if he doesn’t drop his legal complaints.”
The whistleblower asserts that the individual in question exhibited signs of mental instability, prompting concerns from colleagues. Instead of addressing these issues, the agency allegedly targeted the whistleblower, undermining efforts to ensure internal security.
The agency’s purported leniency in vetting, especially concerning positions critical to national security, calls into question its adherence to rigorous standards. Ensuring that personnel responsible for security clearances are thoroughly vetted is paramount to maintaining the integrity and safety of the nation’s highest offices.
