US President Donald Trump has withdrawn Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, extending his political retribution to the children of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Trump announced the decision on Tuesday via his Truth Social platform, calling Hunter Biden’s security detail of up to 18 agents “ridiculous.” He also stated that Ashley Biden, who had 13 agents assigned to her, would no longer receive government-funded protection.
“Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. Likewise, Ashley Biden who has 13 agents will be taken off the list,” Trump wrote, adding that Hunter was currently in South Africa, a country from which Trump recently suspended US aid over alleged rights violations.
A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed awareness of the decision and said they were working with the White House to comply.
Under US law, former presidents and their spouses automatically receive lifetime Secret Service protection, but their children are only eligible if they are under 16, though adult children often receive extensions. Trump himself extended protection for his adult children for six months after leaving office in 2021, a move that reportedly cost taxpayers $1.7 million.
Trump’s decision comes during a broader pattern of revoking security details and clearances. His administration has previously stripped security privileges from former officials, including ex-President Biden, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, ex-National Security Advisor John Bolton, and Anthony Fauci.
The White House defended the decision, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating in January, “The individuals you’re mentioning are quite wealthy, I understand, so they can get their own private security if they wish.”
