DHS official on leave for 'sugar baby' ties

The probe was triggered by reports that the 29-year-old official received luxury vacations and over $40,000 in cash from older men.

Varvaro has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the allegations stem from a personal relationship that turned sour.

The incident occurs as the DHS faces significant operational challenges, including a prolonged partial government shutdown.

Critics of the administration have seized on the scandal as an example of poor vetting and a lack of professional standards within the department's senior leadership.