President Trump has pulled the plug on Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, ending an arrangement that was costing taxpayers millions. The move has ignited fierce debate about privilege, security costs, and the proper use of government resources.
At a glance:
• President Trump has terminated Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, effective immediately
• The Biden adult children had been receiving protection from approximately 30 agents (18 for Hunter, 13 for Ashley)
• Protection for presidential children typically ends when a President leaves office, though Biden extended it through July
• Hunter Biden is currently vacationing in South Africa with his taxpayer-funded security detail
• Trump cited excessive costs and questionable necessity as reasons for ending the protection
Trump Ends “Ridiculous” Protection Detail
President Donald Trump has officially terminated Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden. The Secret Service confirmed they are working to comply with the President’s directive, which takes effect immediately.
Trump’s decision comes after learning that Hunter Biden has been assigned 18 agents while Ashley Biden has 13 agents protecting them at taxpayer expense. The combined security detail of approximately 30 agents has raised serious questions about government spending priorities under the Biden administration. While it is not typical for a former President’s children to remain protected after he leaves office, President Biden extended the protection for a six month period.
Hunter’s Controversial Lifestyle Raises Questions
Hunter Biden is currently vacationing in South Africa with his extensive Secret Service detail, reportedly costing American taxpayers millions. This luxury trip comes despite South Africa being removed from the list of countries receiving U.S. economic assistance due to human rights concerns, particularly assaults on white South Africans, including verbal attacks by some politicians.
Hunter Biden has previously been accused of running a government access scheme that compromised the Biden family, with allegations he attended sensitive meetings without proper security clearance. Additionally, some reports suggest Hunter was heavily involved in White House operations after President Biden’s poor performance in the CNN debate against Trump last June.
Following Precedent While Protecting Taxpayers
Under federal law, former Presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection, but protection for their children over 16 usually ends when they leave office. Biden had extended this protection for his adult children until July, a practice also done by previous Presidents including Barack Obama and George W. Bush.
Trump critics argue the move is politically motivated, while supporters praise it as fiscally responsible and appropriate given the Biden children’s ages and circumstances. The Bidens will now need to use their own funds for private security if they feel it necessary, a point many conservatives have highlighted given the family’s substantial wealth from various business ventures.
