Trump security staff ‘fraternised with local women’ on Asia trip

Search for 11 in US Navy aircraft crash

THREE US servicemen have been axed from the White House security team amid allegations of “improper conduct” with foreign women during President Trump’s trip to Asia this month.

They reportedly broke curfew to fraternize with women in Vietnam. The three army non-commissioned officers, who worked for the White House Communications Agency, have been reassigned, the Washington Post reported.

Military bosses today refused to give details. “We are aware of the incident and it is under investigation,” said Pentagon spokesman Mark Wright.

US service personnel are required to report any contacts with foreign individuals to ensure their interactions do not compromise national security.

The men were in sensitive positions in a department that prevents snooping on presidential communications. They could face discipline or court martial and risk losing their security clearances. Mr Trump, who returned from his 12-day Asia tour over a week ago, A US NAVY aircraft carrying 11 crew and passengers today crashed into the Pacific while flying to the carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

The huge carrier was conducting a rescue operation, the Japan-based 7th Fleet said in a statement. “Personnel recovery is under way and their condition will be evaluated by USS Ronald Reagan medical staff.” Japan’s defence minister said eight

has not commented. In August, four military staff in the same White House unit faced similar claims during a trip to Panama with vice-president Mike Pence. They were accused of taking foreign women after hours into a secure area before Mr Pence’s arrival.

In 2012, Secret Service agents were found to have hired prostitutes during a visit by Barack Obama to Colombia. The scandal was said to have involved up to 20 women, 11 US agents and some military staff. It led the Secret Service crew had been located but it was unclear whether they were alive. The ship was operating in the Philippine Sea when the crash happened at 2.45pm local time. The cause was not immediately clear. The 7th Fleet has had two fatal accidents in Asian waters this year, leaving 17 sailors dead and prompting the removal of eight officers including the fleet’s commander.

to prohibit agents from visiting “nonreputable establishments” or drinking alcohol 10 hours before starting work. THE president last night defended a Republican Senate candidate accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl. “He totally denies it,” said Mr Trump of Roy Moore. Seven women accuse Mr Moore — a 70-year-old Christian conservative who is standing in next month’s Alabama election — of pursuing sexual relationships when they were teenagers and he was in his thirties.