Investigative reporter and author Ronald Kessler – who is considered one of the nation’s foremost experts on the U.S. Secret Service – reveals the results of his exhaustive research into how the current and former presidents treated members of their personal security detail.
Speaking about the current White House, the author of The First Family Detail said his sources in the Secret Service are generally satisfied by the treatment they receive from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. “The Secret Service does feel that President Obama and his wife treat them with respect and consideration,” Kessler said.
But he adds: “On the other hand, they’re dismayed to overhear Michelle urge her husband to be more aggressive in attacking Republicans, and to side with blacks in racial controversies.”
Addressing the practice of lax security measures by Secret Service agents who make exceptions for officials or celebrities, Kessler said this has already led to potentially disastrous situations. “The agents are generally brave and dedicated, but the management will bow to political pressures.”
As an example, he said when there’s a line outside for an event, the White House staff or campaign staff pressures the agents to let the people in without metal detection screening. “You could have five terrorists come in with grenades.”
Watch the full episode to hear about the Secret Service revealing that Vice President Joe Biden enjoys skinny-dipping at his official residence, plus to hear Kessler explain why agents consider it “punishment’ to be assigned to guard Hillary Clinton.
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