Randolph Alles: Trump fires US Secret Service director in latest cleaning out of top officials

The departure follows just a day after the secretary of Homeland Security announced her resignation

Donald Trump has instructed his acting chief of staff to fire the head of the Secret Service, as a part of a sweep to purge the top leadership ranks in America’s immigration and national security apparatus.

Mr Trump reportedly told Mick Mulvaney to fire Randolph Alles two weeks ago, marking the latest top official to be forced out of their position during the tumultuous administration.

The news of Mr Alles’ departure follows just a day after Kirstjen Nielsen announced that she was leaving her post as the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and the departure of at least two more top officials is expected imminently.

Among those in the president’s cross hairs are, reportedly L Francis Cissna with US Citizenship and Immigration Services and John Mitnik, the general counsel for the Secret Service.

Mr Alles was appointed to his position two years ago, and came into the job after serving time in the Marines.

The outgoing Secret Service head is expected to be replaced with career agent James Murray, who is expected to take over that role in May, according to White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

The departures indicate unstable circumstances at the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Secret Service.

More firings or departures may be coming in the coming weeks, as the dust settles from Ms Nielsen’s abrupt resignation.