President Donald Trump announced Monday he is terminating Secret Service protection for President Joe Biden's adult children, Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, effective immediately. Trump criticized the number of agents assigned to the pair and questioned the necessity of the extended coverage.
Trump, writing on Truth Social, disclosed that 18 agents had been assigned to Hunter Biden, while 13 were tasked with protecting Ashley Biden. "Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States Taxpayer," Trump wrote. "He is currently vacationing in, of all places, South Africa, where the Human Rights of people has been strenuously questioned."
The Secret Service confirmed the directive in a statement Monday. "We are aware of the President's decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden," the agency stated. "The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible."
While former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection under federal law, coverage for their adult children ends when they leave office. However, presidents can extend protection for up to six months post-tenure. Biden, like Trump before him, extended the coverage for his children after leaving office.
The Biden family has not publicly commented on Trump's decision. The White House also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Speaking to reporters at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Trump was asked if he intended to revoke protection for the former president's son. "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," Trump replied. "I'm going to take a look at that."
Hunter Biden, 54, has faced legal scrutiny, including convictions on gun and tax charges last year. His legal troubles have long been a flashpoint for Trump and his allies. President Biden issued a pardon for his son at the end of his term, a move that drew criticism and broke a prior commitment to avoid interference in his son's legal affairs.
