Behind the Secret Service's veil of secrecy

Since the assassination of JFK, the United States Secret Service has stepped up its mission to protect the president and others. But as described by Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Carol Leonnig in her new book, "Zero Fail," the USSS is an agency reluctant to examine its operational failures, jeopardizing the Secret Service's mission. Correspondent Jim Axelrod talks with Leonnig; former agent Jonathan Wackrow, who served 14 years with the Secret Service; and former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, about the challenges facing the Service, including a major one: transparency.
"CBS Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS Sunday Morning broadcast times.
Subscribe to the "CBS Sunday Morning" KZbin channel: bit.ly/20gXwJT
Get more of "CBS Sunday Morning": cbsn.ws/1PlMmAz
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Instagram: bit.ly/23XunIh
Like "CBS Sunday Morning" on Facebook: bit.ly/3sRgLPG
Follow "CBS Sunday Morning" on Twitter: bit.ly/1RquoQb
Subscribe to our newsletter: cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T
Download the CBS News app: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8
Try Paramount+ free: bit.ly/2OiW1kZ
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [e-mail]

[@appnzllr]

The Secret Service should be like the FBI - non-partisan. Any member of the Secret Service who becomes partisan should be let go.

[@rwboa22]

The only Federal-level law enforcement officers we should have is the United States Marshals Service and the District of Columbia Police Department. All of their heads (each of the U.S. Marshals, their deputies, and the Chief and sworn officers of the DCPD) be appointed by the President with consent of the Senate, and all be required to register as non-partisan Independents. Let the DCPD guard the U.S. Capitol Complex, SCOTUS building, the White House gates, and the OEB, and let the U.S. Marshals Service provide a special detail for the President, VP, and their families.

[@MTknitter22]

SHOULD BE, but never had been @Gary Apprnzeller The FBI has been exposed as highly partisan, by the way.

[@marcmckenzie5110]

True service is humble, transparent to the greatest degree possible, and open to ideas and criticism. How else can we improve our service to others?

[@glhmedic]

Humble? Lol doing what’s right? Lol what happened when they were caught bringing prostitues into hotel rooms, cheering on a psycho president (trump)? Let’s not carried away in making heroes of them. There are not many heroes anymore.

[@MTknitter22]

glhmedic Exactly!! This is a book to puff up the SS.

[@marcmckenzie5110]

To clarify, my comment was meant as a goal post challenge to the Secret Service. I share the dismay that the people who should be the best of our best, have such lack of ethics and discipline. My great uncle and mentor, no longer with us, was on Herbert Hoover’s personal protection detail, and set the gold standard in our family for integrity and courage. And a man who was once in the Sunday school class I facilitated, also served in the Secret Service with distinction. It is obviously a leadership crisis. 🙏🏼🌿

[@glhmedic]

@@marcmckenzie5110 agreed. Those who can’t maintain professional in their need to go. There should be extremely high standards.

[@boejiden7093]

“Can’t afford to fail. Even once” JFK: sooo.....this is awkward

[@gerrynightingale9045]

*'JFK' was warned to NOT go to Texas at all by the Secret Service, and especially not Dallas because of the sheer hatred against him there from extremist 'nut-jobs'* ( *The 'Service' had a 'watch list' as thick as a phone-book from Texas even then* ) *He was 'begged & pleaded-with' to use the 'top' of the 'POTUS' limo but Kennedy hated it because he felt "It makes me look afraid of the American people and I can't have that, not when I'm there to 'meet & greet & wave' to my voters...you take care of Jackie, and I'll be alright"* ( A determined killer can get to anyone, given time and opportunity, and 'JFK' gave that 'opportunity' that day)

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

@@gerrynightingale9045 Could have been reverse psychology, by the Praetorian Guards,

[@gerrynightingale9045]

@@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723 *Could an IDIOT spouting nonsense as well*

[@gabxp3095]

Person: *fires shots at White House Secret service: stand down

[@BrianHencheyShow]

Yeah what was the SS supposed to do in that scenario? If you can't SEE the shooter (& that is unclear in the CBS story), and some rifles can hit their targets from over a mile away, then what do you do?

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

@@BrianHencheyShow - besides, it was a Democrat president.

[@BrianHencheyShow]

@@DavidSmith-ss1cg Don't know why that would or could be relevant...

[@donnajones1603]

I didn't hear one peep about the tremendous job the Secret Service does in keeping our currency, credit cards secure along with all the other protective details Congress has tasked them with over the years.....kudos, much love & respect to all Secret Service!!!

[@SuperRip7]

They have a dual missions. The one you are referring is not mentioned.

[@steevogee]

The circling-the-wagons response to any scrutiny of important entities in American society is an important brick in the foundation for the general belief that American society is in decline. Scrutinizing and improving were once the hallmarks of our society... Now, this process of bettering has become a footnote having been drowned by congratulatory vagaries and insincere platitudinous expressions of gratitude. The ubiquitous varied versions of "thank you for your service" have replaced the expectation to clean up the mess and do much better.

[@lenovo7999]

@@steevogee I’m not thankful a bunch of silver spoon fortunate sons and social climbers who signed up for a bs war that left us even weaker than when we started. They all do it for money first then the man in the foxhole next to them. Country and all that other recruitment bs is very low on the list of real reasons but the first they’ll use when they want to board first or sign up to be aggro police

[@FireFishMike]

Hyperinflation is killing our currency, but at least we'll know that the bills are real.

[@DanniDuck]

@@FireFishMike Haha, that's hilarious. You should really go look at the official inflation data. You might be surprised at how out of touch you are.

[@smitty5890]

We have to face the facts here. This is not just the Service, its in the police departments, military, government and our streets. We are on the edge, the country and what we stand for is in real trouble. If we don't turn this around soon,we will be past the point of repair.

[@rwboa22]

And the source of the troubles all begin in the home and schools.

[@jasonlacroix6083]

@@rwboa22 blame the parents That are dead, because these agencies are all run by men in their 70's.

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

Guns are useless if the guys at the power plant or water reservoirs go on strike,

[@lenovo7999]

@@rwboa22 it started with America’s original sin, sustained by Dixie, and now fueled by the internet.

[@mariellouise1]

If some of the agents cheered on the rioters at the capitol, then that is one of the major issues to be addressed - and just what is that?

[@SusanConstant1607]

One operation was treasonous but thankfully infiltrated

[@ArchesBro]

She is making it up because she wants people to buy her book and scare the population. Classic media

[@GbawlZ]

I purchased and have read her book, having read many on the subject over the years. Hers was far too political than is appropriate for a book about the USSS. I find the best books on the subject come from actual former agents, whereas, the ones written by journalists and/or novelists tend to flop.

[@meghandivito3181]

A fish rots from the head down,.

[@AudiTTQuattro2003]

...sounds like every police department in the country.

[@lestudio76]

We’re all human. From regular, blue collar workers, to criminals to police to secret service.

[@MTknitter22]

yes we all are @lestudio 76 but high level government employees are not subject to fair and open scrutiny of THEIR job performance as others are.

[@DoNortSleepIn2024]

Those USSS that held this view and cheered on the insurrection need to be removed from their posts immediately and never allowed to serve in any other aspect of law enforcement or other public service ever again!

[@sutriptobose9864]

Its called freedom of speech and expression u cannot remove a person (specially a government employee) from his post just because your and his ideas dodn't match

[@donnajones1603]

@@sutriptobose9864 Perhaps he wants only unarmed social workers to protect POTUS....lol

[@DoNortSleepIn2024]

@@sutriptobose9864 This has nothing to do with my ideas, this is job -related. You can't work at McDs and tell them you don't want to flip burgers or work the fryer. Like most dumpsters, you're clueless.

[@karoberts2198]

@@sutriptobose9864 When your job is to follow orders, your opinion remains in your head. Professionalism is key.

[@kennethbode2017]

you can only live by reputation so long

[@terrencealston370]

Used to see these agents up close when stationed at Bethesda Naval hospital and was in AWE of how they moved. Two days prior to President Bush paying a visit, they would check out the place with a fine tooth comb. Six to eight lemos would pull up at once and doors open at the same time making it hard to lay eyes on the President. These are some brave men and women who lay their lives on the line. Perfect job for a Navy Seal or Army Ranger after taking off the uniform.

[@jasonfeith1]

Rangers yes. Seals are more fluid in their decision making. The USSS is more like the Coast Guard in that the PPD needs to know what the other guys in the detail will do regardless of if he even knows there name. For off book trips like going to a war zone Delta has by far more skill in PPD but seals could do the job. But to be a A grade SS agent you have to go by the book so that no matter who is to your right or left your all following the same book. Other than Rangers part of what makes our elite units elite is that they are quick, intelligent and capable on the fly. PPD rarely requires and almost goes against the doctrine of on the fly. It works because agents are normal people with normal families and need days off and vacations etc. So the guy that takes over has to know exactly what the other guys are going to do. Delta, Seals, get to improvise. Rangers are elite and will get the job done no matter what, but they get it done under the book. That’s why a ranger is a better PPD agent for a normal detail bc they are used to getting it done while still following the playbook. Dboys and Seals call audibles just going to get lunch.

[@terrencealston370]

@@jasonfeith1 thanks for taking the time to share all that knowledge!!!!

[@anquirojm4123]

It's called play the card that serves the agenda of those in power. It also happens with other agencies of the US, specially abroad. The problem is not only fixing them, rather having them serve double faces agendas: called foreign interest and, in this case, domestic ones with facicious intent.

[@KleWdSide]

She's a thrice Pulitzer winner for WaPo, so I'm sure the book will be thorough & well-reported.

[@SusanConstant1607]

Undoubtedly beyond cognitive dissonance

[@KleWdSide]

@@SusanConstant1607 You obviously don't even know what cognitive dissonance even is. 🖕

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

@@KleWdSide - I think that means that person doesn't like to deal with big words. "Cognitive dissonance" is quite a mouthful for their crowd.

[@glhmedic]

@@DavidSmith-ss1cg yeah trump supporter s aren’t the sharpest ones.

[@GbawlZ]

It wasn't, you should read it and look at the title of her other book. It's a highly political and loosely-researched book. As someone who has read several books on the USSS from Joe Petro, Clint Hill, and Dan Emett, this one presented nothing new apart from a few more details about the stripper incident--- everything else has been widely detailed in other works. Moreover, her political bias was apparent in a subject where it just isn't appropriate. I would cut her some slack if her other book wasn't titled something that totally gives away her political predisposition.

[@BladeStar420]

I am 25. Seeing Tim McCarthy take a bullet for the president made my jaw drop. Throughout the rest of the video it fell to the floor. Great reporting.

[@TheDragonaf1]

"the secret service can't fail, even once"....well....ask JFK if he thinks that statement is true...

[@donnajones1603]

If you had done your homework you'd know nothing could've stopped JFK's date with destiny ..... when you consider the aborted attempt to blow him up earlier before Dallas (only stopped when the bomber himself felt remorse when he saw little John John join his father in the car that Sunday morning).... JFK's insistence on NOT using the special bulletproof plexiglass bubbletop that was made for the limousine ....because his poll numbers in the south were down he wanted to appear closer to the people...... His family tragically had a predetermined destiny that wouldn't be allowed to take place with today's USSS exactly because of what happened to him & his brother...

[@adamdent6859]

This is disgusting! Who ever is president should have the best of the best and have all points of safety held to the highest standard for their families and themselves!

[@KleWdSide]

I'm sure those that love "In the Line of Fire" find these revelations disappointing.

[@MariaVazquezGazmeySantiago]

Thank you secret service for your help and assistance. God bless the United States of America 🇺🇸 Dear Saint Eugene you are “welcome” into our secret service family. Protect our country with your powerful blessings and prayers. We are grateful and thankful for all your blessings 🙏🏼

[@justinbowen2509]

We need the secret service now more then ever. Especially due to all the deplorables who think that what happened in Myanmar was good and should happen here.

[@MTknitter22]

@Justin Bowen we need a reformed not so secret SS. Yes. They are not perfect by a long shot and like a lot of government employees, not held to account when egregious errors are made.

[@chrisdebouse4811]

Seems like alot of jobs across so many different fields. You know what the problem is but no fixes .. a mess

[@fashiondiva6972]

Oh they know what the fixes are but they choose not to attempt implementing any of them. That is precisely how a festering failure of an agency continues its downward spiral unabated.

[@wendyc1902]

@@fashiondiva6972 Bingo 👊

[@Joe33305]

Same ol same ol.

[@SandyWolf-]

Secret service is a job I wouldnt want! Would you give your life for a politician?

[@jeanmank6342]

Why am I not surprised?

[@uscgalpha91]

I think the justice department desperately needs overhaul instead

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

They needed to take a page from Sheriff Grady Judd from Polk Co., FL. His words were “those in law enforcement are held to a higher accountability.” The trouble so frequently starts in the hierarchy! When are they going to learn you can’t do more with less?

[@dmoneyas24]

The problem is promotions are based on who u know and not merit. A lot of agencies have a “don’t rock the boat” mentality meaning go along to get along even if going along means doing dumb things

[@beansbeansbeans4025]

Thought about applying many times… I think it is not worth it based on this.

[@experienceeverything581]

When your politics come before your job, you’re no longer professional. Example; teachers and professors 🤨

[@eratera5836]

I wear my sunglasses at night

[@miketule8242]

What about time troubles

[@davanmani556]

I can’t image what Obama’s daughters went through, seven times?

[@seikibrian8641]

Seven shots, one incident. It was over in minutes.

[@boejiden7093]

@@jm1178 you think you can do better?

[@kbstrong429]

Yes I want to know somebody and some forces actually care and support our nation and don’t look at it as just a paycheck and the American people should also be concerned about supporting those people and forces. I also am not referring to a political party or group I’m talking about non-political people and forces that genuinely care for the American people and the Nations security as a whole. It matters people!

[@karwinchau4684]

Do more with more not do more with less- Unknown Wise Handsome Man💯

[@Ras7685]

Unfortunately .........something will get done after someone dies . That is how they work .

[@saniari4724]

I take it they are no longer the best organization in the world

[@crystaltelf288]

Sounds like the secret service lacks the honor they once had! Bring the honor back!

[@boejiden7093]

They never had honor to begin with. JFK was a strong proponent of progressive policies. He signed the civil rights bill, was for medicare for all, etc. The government hated that. They didnt like integrating schools, etc. That led him to become disliked by the government.

[@crystaltelf288]

@@boejiden7093 then we all know what happened....they killed him!

[@crystaltelf288]

@Leo Peridot If you don’t know, you never will.

[@alroth6308]

unlikely it can be brought back when the "service" feels their jobe os to attempt to destroy the evidence how hunter committed gun law crime in lie on federal gun purchase form

[@samanthab1923]

How arrogant

[@chrisfinch8637]

This story, as well as the whole meaning behind it, certainly isn’t that surprising, since every POTUS needs major protection, as well as his whole family and for The White House, too (along with every other D.C. landmark).

[@lynnbetts4332]

Normally, grown children of the POTUS do not get SS protection. And once they are ex, only the ex-POTUS, wife, and children under 16 get protection. Trump broke with norm and had his whole family covered, including spouses. And extended the protection post presidency for 6 months. We pay $140,000/month for their protection.

[@PrashantTayshetye]

They need to give them more respect and money. Don’t cut budgets for police and imp services.

[@PaulGarthAviation]

How did Chertoff become head of HS? I forget.

[@claudiamanta1943]

Who is protecting these people? The life of an agent is NO less worthy than the life of the head of a state. If you don’t get that, all will remain empty talk, allegations, counter allegations, tabloid scandals to erode this or that politician and, most unforgivably, the public’s trust in those who protect- or should protect- it.

[@MariaVazquezGazmeySantiago]

Thank you secret service for your help and assistance. God bless the United States of America 🇺🇸 Dear Saint Eugene you are “welcome” into our secret service family. Protect our country with your powerful blessings and prayers. We are grateful and thankful for all your blessings 🙏🏼Please protect my items and belongings. Please do not allow me to fail or be a failure. Amen 🙏🏼

[@johnmatmanivong9407]

Earth

[@SusanConstant1607]

How about the entire belief system ?

[@MariaVazquezGazmeySantiago]

Thank you secret service for your help and assistance. God bless the United States of America 🇺🇸

[@miketule8242]

What about time travel

[@lizannewhitlow1085]

Jane is looking fabulous! Just lovely!

[@diaatkin5059]

Whi killed ASHLEY BABBITT

[@MariaVazquezGazmeySantiago]

Thank you secret service for your help and assistance. God bless the United States of America 🇺🇸 Dear Saint Eugene you are “welcome” into our secret service family. Protect our country with your powerful blessings and prayers. We are grateful and thankful for all your blessings 🙏🏼Please protect my items and belongings. Amen 🙏🏼

[@garywidom]

Hey CBS, the anchor intro isn’t needed. We know what the story is from the written title. This is KZbin, just get into it.

[@viviannebisson7133]

@ Jonathan Wackrow: On behalf of red-headed step children everywhere, I resent the "red-headed step child analogy" LOL...that's red-headed racism ;)

[@patriciablack2324]

Like the IRS and so many other government agencies they are grossly underfunded. In some measure this can be attributed to corporations and millionaires and billionaires not paying their fair share.

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

Praetorian Gaurd & SS, would be proud, not much difference between bodyguards and assassins,

[@JourneysTravels]

“The agency has become more afraid how bad it is behind the curtain …”

[@billwalsh388]

Does Mike pence have a body double???

[@ragingjaguarknight86]

Don't forget the Secret Service Uniformed Division. They are often overshadowed by their more well known branch, but they have an important job as well. The Uniformed Division protects the White House itself. One of their officers was even killed in the line of duty, back in 1950.

[@meltsnowflakes2893]

The only house needing cleaning is the big white one on Pennsylvania ave...the secret service will always be top tear 👌

[@asha.of.antares]

Their name says "secret service." Security of the President is visible so they could just be called the US Security Service. What, exactly, do they keep secret on such a regular basis that they put the word secret in their name? In 2006, they moved to Dept of Energy? Why???

[@MattMorris481]

They don’t demonstrate transparency, but that’s why it’s called the secret service.

[@christopher3386]

Can't admit they made a mistake. Sad.

[@christopher3386]

@Leo Peridot Who?

[@martinperaro2644]

When you see my face it is not a good thing to see me when you see me it is supposed to be a really bad situation and right now throughout the years we are in 2022 and it is getting worse instead of better everything is boiling too a bubble into a head and the bubble is about to burst

[@christopher9727]

John 3.16-21

[@majeshirkaku1543]

Jan 6 was distraction

[@kevinherd3437]

Chertoff has plenty to embarrassed about

[@yessy2646]

Ok they are not supposed to but I guess they have ! January 6

[@claudiamanta1943]

6:49 No. It boils down to each agent taking individual responsibility for their actions or lack of action. What do they wait for? The Blue Fairy to whack them on their heads with the magic wand? Man- up! If something ain’t right, it ain’t right and you 🫵🏻 must do something about it. No amount of money can repair the bent spine of a coward.

[@lennykoss8777]

🤔🤔

[@experienceeverything581]

“ transparency “ at the “secret” service 🙄 for an author this lady is dense

[@larisabaines8160]

Secret service these people our are being bad news to me..

[@adamdent6859]

LUCK! such an embarrassing statement

[@Omega-lj1nw]

TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. (1985)

[@bonnierobinson8684]

Homeland Security is a mess!

[@gregrice1354]

Sorry CBS, nice, dramatic reporting - perhaps sometimes with music, but federal civil rights laws REQUIRE equal access and captions for the 40 million US citizens who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Get with it - it has only been 31 years since the ADA became federal law!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where are the captions. KZbin is not exempt from this legal mandate. Either block such illegal video publications or PROVIDE CAPTIONS AS REQUIRED BY US FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAW REQUIRES - 5-18-2021

[@warrenwillcox3309]

This was about the most embarrassing piece put on by CBS.

[@jasonlacroix6083]

So, the Secret Service needs a house cleaning, but our law enforcement community doesn't?

[@younbuckz3034]

CIA killed him

[@jillsalkin7389]

She is to be admired for this work.

[@bthemedia]

What work? Pointing out past issues? Making accusations against 1A protected political free speech? She has not provided any evidence or insight in this interview unfortunately, only fear & speculation.

[@wendyc1902]

@@bthemedia Just another propaganda hit piece! This show used to be a fun variety show and now this is all they do! Can't even get away from the bullshyt on a Sunday 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@crawnyxx]

Thugs and hoodlums NOT RIOTERS! 😒

[@miketule8242]

Man-made it got God ate it

[@Ramon_92]

Secret service protecting people from the president of the united states.... Thats something new indeed.

[@peacenow4456]

Shocking... Different men, different times... Now some personality types don't belong there. Better screening is needed.

[@jorgedelangel4873]

Your suppse to be in pulse control..

[@alexandergregorov9694]

Their veil of secrecy COULD always be protected in my hand's, if fuckers of the Air Force would just show up and stop giving me bad judgements from far away.

[@brettjados1526]

That's why it's called SECRET

[@joeysausage3437]

What a joke.

[@BrianHencheyShow]

For once, CBS did NOT mention who the publisher of the book was AND this time it's NOT CBS-owned "Simon & Schuster" -- WOW! ...not a book commercial in the guise of a news story! Wow! There's a first time for everything!

[@monaiannucci7831]

Lmao

[@martinperaro2644]

Because we are going to switch some people around and we are going to make our branches better than what we are and we are going to make the United States government better than it ever was and we are going to make the United States country better than what it is also we are going to go around state to state very soon and we are going to be working on state problems and federal problems and United States problem in every state every state congress leader is going to have to answer for her state there is going to be two Congress leaders maybe five Congress leaders for one state but one of the Congress leaders are going to have to be the head of the state

[@donnamarie4443]

Seems like the way of the w🌍rld, covering up instead of addressing the issue.......😡👎

[@76helterskelter]

More money will solve everything...

[@tjbishop8823]

Trump was not to blame

[@luvlyleo2836]

We will be attacked! Our weaknesses have been exposed.😔

[@rayjordan7278]

Behind the veil ..... ? The Kingdom of AntiChrist. That’s it ..... That’s all. Semper Fi

[@peterdurkin1499]

She's a liberal

[@marcoshepard5704]

The true jet aesthetically pedal because cactus mainly launch amidst a null bear. wanting, weary brand

[@mrltphotography6529]

The bewildered ferryboat baly phone because semicircle syntactically question apud a massive half-sister. better, deeply flag

[@gabrielsuazo7327]

The massive sociology firstly release because drawbridge family sign off a complete millisecond. sassy, sick carol

[@184876ela]

STOOGES