US President Donald Trump has announced the immediate withdrawal of Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, marking another move in his ongoing political reprisals.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized the security details assigned to Hunter, calling it “excessive” and claiming the number of agents was as high as 18. He also noted that Hunter was currently vacationing in South Africa, a country from which Trump recently suspended U.S. aid over alleged human rights violations.
“Effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. The same applies to Ashley Biden, who reportedly has 13 agents assigned to her,” Trump wrote.
By law, Secret Service protection is automatically provided to former presidents and their spouses, while children under 16 are also eligible. However, adult children sometimes receive extended protection at the discretion of the administration.
A spokesperson for the Secret Service confirmed that the agency was aware of the president’s decision and was actively working with the White House to ensure compliance.
Hunter Biden has been a longstanding target of Republican criticism, with attacks intensifying after his father, Joe Biden, pardoned his tax and gun-related convictions shortly before leaving office in January. Trump’s decision follows his earlier announcement that he was nullifying those pardons, a move that legal experts argue has no clear constitutional basis.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has taken several actions against individuals he considers adversaries. This includes stripping security clearances from former President Biden, numerous ex-officials, and employees at law firms linked to the Democratic Party. Additionally, he revoked security protection for figures such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, ex-National Security Advisor John Bolton, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who played a key role in the country’s COVID-19 response.
Defending the administration’s stance, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “Security protection and clearances are not guaranteed for life. Many of these individuals have substantial wealth and can arrange for private security if needed.”
During his previous presidency, Trump had authorized a six-month extension of Secret Service protection for his four adult children and three senior administration officials, a decision that reportedly cost taxpayers $1.7 million, according to The Washington Post.
Trump’s latest action signals his continued push to reshape government policies, particularly in ways that impact his political rivals and former officials.
