President Donald Trump announced the immediate termination of Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden. Trump, who had previously extended their protection for six months after leaving office, made the decision public through a post on Truth Social.
Trump criticized the number of agents assigned to Hunter Biden, stating that 18 personnel were dedicated to his security detail during a trip to South Africa. He also noted that Ashley Biden had 13 agents assigned to her. Trump argued that such arrangements were unnecessary and a burden on taxpayers.
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“Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period, all paid for by the United States taxpayer,” Trump wrote. “There are as many as 18 people on this detail, which is ridiculous! He is currently vacationing in, of all places, South Africa, where the human rights of people have been strenuously questioned. Because of this, South Africa has been taken off our list of countries receiving economic and financial assistance.”
Trump’s decision was met with an official response from the Secret Service, confirming compliance with the directive. “We are aware of the President’s decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden,” the agency said. “The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible.”
Former presidents and their spouses are entitled to lifelong Secret Service protection, but adult children do not automatically receive the same privilege. Traditionally, outgoing presidents can extend security for up to six months. Both Trump and Biden had exercised this option, following the precedent set by Barack Obama and George W. Bush.
Trump’s announcement also drew attention to the broader implications of U.S.-South Africa relations. He cited concerns over South Africa’s land expropriation policies and its stance on international affairs, particularly regarding Hamas and Iran, as a reason for ceasing U.S. financial assistance to the country.
Hunter Biden’s security details had been under scrutiny due to his international travel and legal issues. Meanwhile, Ashley Biden had remained largely out of the public eye, making Trump’s decision to revoke her security a surprising move.
While answering questions at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Trump was asked about the revocation of protection. He responded, “Well, we have done that with many. I would say if there are 18 with Hunter Biden, that will be something I’ll look at this afternoon. I’m going to take a look at that.”
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This is not the first time Trump has rescinded security details for individuals previously deemed at risk. In January, he revoked security protections for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former national security adviser John Bolton, and former State Department official Brian Hook, despite concerns over potential threats from Iran.
The Biden family has yet to officially state Trump’s decision. With Hunter Biden still facing legal scrutiny and Ashley Biden maintaining a lower profile, revoking their security detail marks another sharp political divide between the Trump and Biden administrations.