Secret Service Agents Seek Protection from Testifying in Lewinsky Probe

Strategic Insights -

The Justice Department and the Secret Service are appealing a judge's order to force Secret Service agents to testify in the Monica Lewinsky investigation, citing national security and safety concerns for the president. Former Secret Service agents have also filed a friend of the court brief, arguing that independent counsel Kenneth Starr's attempts to get agents to testify before a grand jury threaten the national security of the United States and the safety of all future and living former presidents. The case has been placed under seal, but the Justice Department and the Secret Service have filed an appeals brief arguing that a "protective function privilege" exists, allowing Secret Service agents to avoid testifying.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Justice Department and the Secret Service are appealing a judge's order to force Secret Service agents to testify in the Monica Lewinsky investigation.
  • The agencies cite national security and safety concerns for the president as the reason for the appeal.
  • Former Secret Service agents have filed a friend of the court brief arguing that Kenneth Starr's attempts to get agents to testify threaten the national security of the United States and the safety of all future and living former presidents.
  • The appeals court has set argument for June 26, earlier than requested by either the Justice Department or the independent counsel.
  • The case is related to Starr's investigation into whether President Clinton or others urged former White House intern Lewinsky to lie under oath about a purported sexual affair with the president.

Statistics:

  • 1 judge's order is being appealed by the Justice Department and the Secret Service.
  • 1 "protective function privilege" is cited by the agencies as the reason for the appeal.
  • 1 friend of the court brief has been filed by former Secret Service agents.
  • 1 appeals court has set argument for June 26.
  • The investigation is related to allegations of perjury by President Clinton in connection with a sexual affair.

Sources:

  • United Press International, copyright 1998