In many ways DC is a small town. I know the guys who are steam fitters for the White House who need a security clearance. There is even a dry cleaning service that needs a clearance.

When someone wears X-tra long ties and has a short jolly rodger it is likely to have the tie slip off his shoulder and get peed on.
This story has some confirmation from the dry cleaner.

That the President wears multiple ties in a day, the mystery is solved.