Head of U.S. Secret Service to quit job: White House

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The head of the U.S. Secret Service, which guards President Donald Trump and visiting heads of state, is stepping down, the White House said on Monday in the administration's latest sign of turbulence.

"United States Secret Service director Randolph 'Tex' Alles... will be leaving shortly and President Trump has selected James M. Murray, a career member of the USSS, to take over as director beginning in May," Trump's spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

No reason was given for Alles' sudden departure. However, the former Marine general quickly denied that he had been pushed out.

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"No doubt you have seen media reports regarding my 'firing,'" he said in a statement. "I assure you that this is not the case, and in fact was told weeks ago by the Administration that transitions in leadership should be expected across the Department of Homeland Security."

This appeared aimed at shooting down speculation in the U.S. media that Alles may have been axed in connection to a security incident in March at Trump's Florida golf club and weekend retreat.

Other reports said Alles could have lost his job due to some twist in the reportedly often heated internal political battles over White House staffing.

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, alongside U.S. Secret Service Director Randolph Alles (L), look at a 1983 Cadillac limousine used by former President Ronald Reagan (R) and a 1993 Cadillac limousine used by former U.S. President Bill Clinton (L) at the United States Secret Service James J. Rowley training facility in Beltsville, Maryland, October 13, 2017. /VCG Photo

On Sunday, Trump announced via tweet the departure of Homeland Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who has spearheaded his controversial policies on trying to stop illegal immigrants and asylum seekers from entering the United States.

Trump said that U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan will be acting secretary.

The Secret Service's main job is to provide security for the president and vice president and their families, as well as former presidents and visiting heads of state. It also coordinates the securing of buildings like the White House and foreign embassies.

Source(s): AFP