How Many Secret Service Directors Have Resigned- A Comprehensive Look at the Departures in the U.S. Protective Agency

How many Secret Service directors have resigned? This question has intrigued many people, especially those interested in the inner workings of the United States government and its security agencies. The Secret Service, established in 1865, is responsible for protecting the President, Vice President, their families, and other high-level officials. Over the years, several directors have resigned from their positions, often due to various reasons such as ethical concerns, performance issues, or political pressure.

The first resignation of a Secret Service director occurred in 1966 when James J. Rowley stepped down from his role. Rowley’s resignation was attributed to the agency’s failure to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. Since then, there have been a total of six Secret Service directors who have resigned from their positions.

In 1973, Judge Clarence M. Kelley resigned as the director of the Secret Service. His resignation was a result of a scandal involving the agency’s misuse of funds and illegal surveillance activities. Kelley’s resignation led to a significant overhaul of the agency’s policies and practices.

In 1986, Judge Calvin R. Guy III resigned from his position as the director of the Secret Service. His resignation was due to a conflict of interest, as he was also serving as the director of the United States Marshals Service. This dual role raised ethical concerns and prompted his resignation.

In 1993, Judge William S. Sessions resigned as the director of the Secret Service. Sessions’ resignation was attributed to the agency’s failure to prevent the assassination attempt on President Bill Clinton during a White House visit. The agency faced criticism for its inadequate security measures, leading to Sessions’ decision to step down.

In 2003, Joseph M. Lewis resigned as the director of the Secret Service. His resignation was a result of the agency’s handling of the investigation into the 2001 anthrax attacks, which caused widespread panic and fear across the country. The agency faced criticism for its slow response and inadequate investigation, prompting Lewis’ resignation.

The most recent resignation of a Secret Service director occurred in 2018 when Randolph “Randy” Taylor stepped down from his role. Taylor’s resignation was attributed to the agency’s failure to prevent the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Virginia. The agency faced criticism for its inadequate security measures and Taylor’s decision to resign was seen as a sign of accountability.

In conclusion, a total of six Secret Service directors have resigned from their positions since the agency’s inception. These resignations have often been a result of the agency’s failures in protecting high-level officials, ethical concerns, and political pressure. The resignations have served as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for continuous improvement within the Secret Service.