White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Thursday that President Obama still has full confidence in Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy, even after a new report disclosed more security breaches and some lawmakers said it is “in crisis.”
“Absolutely he does,” Earnest said when asked if Clancy retains Obama’s support.
“We’ve seen the Secret Service encounter some significant challenges in the last couple of years,” he said. “But under the leadership of Director Clancy, the Secret Service has worked hard to implement a series of reforms that have strengthened that organization and have enhanced confidence.”
On Thursday, reports surfaced that lawmakers are about to release a new report that says the agency allowed several security lapses to take place, including unscreened people walking right up to President Obama.
According to the Washington Post, House investigators say the agency is “in crisis,” as it continues to show its inability to secure the president and the White House. In the last year, it became clear that the agency failed to investigate shots fired at the White House, and allowed an armed person to ride an elevator with Obama.
“There’s more work that needs to be done,” Earnest admitted. “But Director Clancy’s commitment and capacity to implement those reforms is significant, and the president has strong confidence in his ability to continue to lead that important organization.”
