President Trump named a new Secret Service director Tuesday, just weeks after an intruder scaled the fence around the White House grounds and brought the agency’s security challenges back into the spotlight.
Trump selected Randolph D. “Tex” Alles as the next director of the Secret Service, the White House announced on Tuesday.
Alles presently serves as the acting deputy commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He had previously led its Air and Marine Operations, and is a 35-year veteran of the U.S. Marines, the White House noted.
The Senate is not required to confirm the Secret Service director.
The nomination of Alles quickly drew applause from Republicans on Capitol Hill who have long advocated for reforms at the troubled Secret Service.
“Appointing a director from the outside adds a necessary new perspective and fresh approach to their zero-fail mission,” said Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah. “While I commend this important step forward, there are still many systemic problems that continue to plague the agency, including a staffing crisis and increasingly demanding investigative mission.”
As chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Chaffetz has investigated the Secret Service for past misconduct, including agents’ solicitation of prostitues on trips abroad with President Obama.
“I applaud the Trump administration and Secretary Kelly for choosing someone from outside the agency who is well qualified to lead the Secret Service,” said Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. “General Alles is being called upon to use all his command and managerial skills to address the cultural and operational issues currently facing the Service.”
Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, highlighted Alles’ record at CBP.
“Randy Alles is an excellent choice to lead the Secret Service. He has an outstanding record of public service and strong leadership, serving our country in top posts in the Marine Corps and at Customs and Border Protection,” Goodlatte said. “He is known by his colleagues, friends, and family to be a man of integrity and of his word.”
