U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he was immediately ending Secret Service protection for Joe Biden’s adult children.
The protection, which Trump had extended until July before leaving office in January, was revoked in a move that has sparked widespread discussion.
Security cut off without warning
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social after being asked by a reporter about Hunter Biden’s security detail.
He claimed that Hunter had received extended Secret Service protection at the expense of taxpayers and stated that it would be terminated immediately.
He also confirmed that Ashley Biden, who had 13 agents assigned to her, would no longer be on the protection list.
There was no immediate response from Biden’s office regarding the decision.
Under federal law, former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection, but security for their adult children typically ends when they leave office.
However, both Trump and Biden had previously extended the protection for an additional six months.
Trump’s history of revoking security
While visiting the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Trump was asked whether he would remove Hunter Biden’s protection.
He responded that he would look into the matter but soon after confirmed that he had already made the decision.
This is not the first time Trump has revoked security details for high-profile figures.
In January, he removed Secret Service protection from former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and ex-aide Brian Hook.
These officials had been considered high-risk due to threats from Iran following their actions under Trump’s administration.
While Secret Service protection is not automatically guaranteed for officials other than former presidents and their spouses,
Intelligence agencies had previously determined that some figures, including Pompeo and Bolton, faced ongoing security threats.
Despite warnings from the Biden administration, Trump proceeded with their security removal.
His latest move is expected to fuel further debate over the role of Secret Service protection and whether security decisions are being influenced by political motives.
