Donald Trump is removing the US Secret Service director Randolph “Tex” Alles, the White House has confirmed.
His dismissal comes amid major leadership changes at the sprawling Department of Homeland Security.
The president instructed his acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney to fire Alles, who will remain in his position for now.
But White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders on Monday said James Murray, a career Secret Service agent, will take over in May.
Alles said that he was not fired, and described the shift as part of an "orderly transition in leadership" across the Department of Homeland Secretary.
"No doubt you have seen media reports regarding my 'firing.' I assure you that this is not the case, and in fact was told weeks ago by the administration that transitions in leadership should be expected across the Department of Homeland Security," Alles said in a message to Secret Service agents.
"The president has directed an orderly transition in leadership for this agency and I intend to abide by that direction," Alles said.
The move was first reported by CNN, which said that officials first discovered the decision by reading its report.
One official described the situation to CNN as a “near-systematic purge" at the Department of Homeland Security.
Alles’ removal marked the latest in a long line of firings and resignations of senior officials in the Trump administration.
She was reportedly asked to step down during a meeting with the president, who was said to be unhappy that she had not been tough enough on illegal immigration.
Alles' was appointed to the post by the US leader in April 2017, previously held a senior job at the Customs and Border Protection agency and served 35 years in the Marine Corps before retiring as a major general in 2011.
The Secret Service is responsible for protecting senior US officials including the president and vice president, former presidents and visiting heads of state.
The agency is also charged with enforcing counterfeiting laws and safeguarding the payment and financial systems of the US.
Agencies contributed to this report
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