Washington: A report published on Tuesday claims the US Secret Service cannot pay hundreds of agents to protect President Donald Trump and his large family.
Secret Service director Randolph Alles told USA Today that more than 1,000 agents have already hit the salary caps and overtime allowances which were meant to last the entire year. “The President has a large family and our responsibility is required in law. I can't change that. I have no flexibility,” Mr Alles said.
Some veteran agents have already worked hundreds of overtime hours with no compensation, he said.
He has already started discussions with key lawmakers to raise the salary and overtime cap for agents from $1,60,000 per year to $1,87,000 for the duration of Mr Trump’s term, CNBC reported.
Forty-two people in Mr Trump’s administration, including 18 family members, have protection. The number was 31 during the Obama administration.
Mr Trump’s weekend trips to New Jersey, Virginia and Florida and international trips plus protection for his adult children during their business trips and vacations, is a costly affair.
Each of Mr Trump’s trip to his Florida resort, MaraLago costs over $3 million. So far he has taken seven trips there.
