President Trump announced that Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden, would end immediately. Trump said Hunter had as many as 18 agents and Ashley had 13, numbers he called ridiculous.
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, the two adult children of former President Joe Biden, will be removed right away. Trump said the number of security agents assigned to them was too high and unnecessary.
Trump shared his decision on his social media platform, saying the security team for Hunter Biden included as many as 18 agents, while Ashley Biden had 13 assigned to her. He called these numbers “ridiculous” and said the protection would end immediately.
“Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States taxpayer,” Trump wrote. “There are as many as 18 people on this detail, which is ridiculous.”
He also added, “Ashley Biden, who has 13 agents, will be taken off the list.”
Action Taken After Comments at Public Event
Earlier that day, Trump was asked by a reporter about the ongoing protection for Hunter Biden while visiting the Kennedy Center in Washington. The reporter mentioned that Hunter was currently on vacation in South Africa.
Trump responded that he had just heard about the matter and said he would review it. Only a few hours later, Trump officially ordered the end of protection for both Hunter and Ashley Biden.
What the Law Says About Secret Service Protection
Under U.S. federal law, children of presidents are only guaranteed Secret Service protection until they turn 16. However, former presidents and their spouses are entitled to protection for the rest of their lives, unless the spouse remarries. Adult children can receive protection if granted by a sitting president, but it is not required by law.
Trump’s decision to cancel the protection is allowed under his authority as president, though such moves are not common.
Trump Mentions Hunter Biden’s Legal Troubles
In his post, Trump reminded the public that Hunter Biden was recently pardoned by his father, Joe Biden, before leaving office. Hunter had been convicted of federal gun charges and tax-related crimes in 2024. President Biden defended his son at the time, saying the prosecution was politically motivated and unfair.
Trump disagreed and used this decision as another example of what he views as improper favoritism toward Hunter Biden.
Comments on Hunter’s Trip to South Africa
Trump also made remarks about Hunter Biden’s vacation in South Africa, questioning the choice of destination. He said it was surprising to see him visiting a country where human rights issues have been a point of concern.
Trump recently signed an executive order to halt U.S. aid to South Africa, citing concerns over a land reform law that he said discriminates against white citizens. He called the law unfair and claimed it violated basic human rights.
Trump pointed out the connection between Hunter’s trip and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, who is originally from South Africa. He also brought up Elon Musk, a South African-born businessman and longtime ally of Trump, who has also criticized the country’s land laws.
Trump’s History of Revoking Protection and Clearances
This is not the first time Trump has removed Secret Service coverage from individuals connected to past administrations. On his first day back in office, Trump canceled both the security clearance and protection for former National Security Adviser John Bolton. Bolton had served under Trump during his previous term and had become a critic afterward.
Trump has previously said he believes some former officials should not keep access to government resources or privileges after their service ends, especially if they become politically active or critical of the current administration.
Reaction and Political Impact
Trump’s decision is already gaining attention in political circles. Supporters see it as a necessary step to reduce government spending and ensure fairness. Critics, on the other hand, argue that it is another example of Trump using his power to settle personal scores.
Some legal experts note that although Trump is within his rights to remove the protection, doing so raises questions about the use of presidential authority in targeting specific individuals.
There has been no official response yet from Joe Biden or his children regarding the decision.
What Happens Next
Now that the protection has been removed, Hunter and Ashley Biden will need to manage their personal safety without government assistance. It’s unclear whether they will hire private security or take other steps to protect themselves during travel or public events.
The decision may also spark debate in Congress over whether there should be clearer rules about who gets Secret Service protection and how long it should last.
As the political divide in the country continues to grow, decisions like this one are likely to remain in the spotlight. For now, Trump’s action marks another shift in how former presidential families are treated after leaving office.
Looking Ahead
This move is one of several bold decisions made by Trump since returning to office. It highlights the sharp differences in leadership style between him and President Biden. Whether it will set a new standard or be reversed in the future remains to be seen.
With attention turning toward upcoming elections and ongoing investigations, Trump’s decision will likely remain a talking point for weeks to come.
Source: CBS News
