Trump Ends Secret Service Protection for Biden’s Children \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump announced Monday that he is immediately ending Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, previously extended until July. Trump objected on social media to what he described as excessive agent assignments for both Biden children. The Secret Service confirmed compliance and is coordinating with the White House to finalize withdrawal of protection.
Trump Ends Secret Service Protection for Biden’s Adult Children: Quick Looks
- Protection Revoked: Trump ended Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden.
- Immediate Action: Trump said the change would take place immediately.
- Excessive Coverage Claim: Trump objected to 18 agents for Hunter and 13 for Ashley.
- Previous Extension: Protection was extended to July by President Biden before leaving office.
- Secret Service Responds: Agency confirmed it will comply and coordinate with the White House.
- Former Policy: Former presidents may extend protection for up to six months post-term.
- Trump’s Confirmation: He said he would review the number of agents assigned.
- Historical Precedent: Obama and George W. Bush also extended family protection post-presidency.
Deep Look
Former President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of Secret Service protection for President Joe Biden’s adult children, Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden. Trump made the declaration via social media, voicing sharp criticism over what he characterized as an excessive use of taxpayer-funded resources for the Biden family’s security details. According to Trump, Hunter Biden was accompanied by 18 Secret Service agents during his current trip to South Africa, while Ashley Biden reportedly had a detail of 13 agents. Trump expressed disapproval of these numbers and stated that both individuals would be “taken off the list.”
As of now, President Biden’s office has not responded publicly to this decision.
Under U.S. federal law, former presidents and their spouses are guaranteed lifelong Secret Service protection. However, this protection does not extend indefinitely to their adult children once they are over the age of 16. Outgoing presidents have the authority to extend protection to family members for up to six months after leaving office if they believe there is a compelling need for continued security. President Biden exercised this option for Hunter and Ashley Biden earlier in his term, just as Trump did for his own adult children after leaving the White House in 2021. Prior administrations, including those of Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, have similarly used this discretion to protect their families for additional periods.
The Secret Service confirmed in an official statement that it is aware of Trump’s directive and is already working on compliance measures:
“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.”
This announcement comes amidst increased scrutiny and public debate over the size and cost of security details provided to the adult children of high-ranking political figures. While specific protective detail numbers are rarely confirmed due to security reasons, Trump’s public comments have brought the issue into the spotlight. The presence of 18 agents with Hunter Biden during an international trip is unusual and has sparked discussions about whether such a level of protection is excessive or justified, given his profile and the various ongoing investigations surrounding him.
When asked about the matter while touring the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Trump indicated that he had not previously been aware of the exact numbers but confirmed he would investigate the situation.
“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 stated. He added, “I’m going to take a look at that,” suggesting that the decision to terminate protection came after learning of the large security detail.
Trump’s move highlights his continued use of political influence after leaving office and his willingness to question and challenge decisions made by the current administration. The decision also reflects broader political tensions between Trump and Biden, with security issues becoming yet another battleground.
For Hunter Biden, losing Secret Service protection could raise concerns. He has been the subject of multiple investigations, media scrutiny, and political attacks over the past few years. Whether traveling internationally or domestically, Hunter’s security risks are considerable, especially given his notoriety and ongoing legal challenges. The revocation of federal protection could place additional pressure on the Biden family to privately arrange security measures, which can be both logistically complex and extremely costly.
Ashley Biden, though less publicly visible than her brother, is also a figure of interest, particularly because of her close ties to the Biden administration and occasional public appearances. The termination of her protection may also expose her to new personal security risks that previously would have been managed by federal resources.
In historical context, the extension of Secret Service protection beyond a president’s term has always been a judgment call, weighing factors like public exposure, security risks, and ongoing threats. In the case of President Biden’s children, both political visibility and public controversy likely contributed to the decision to extend protection initially. Now, Trump’s revocation not only reverses that decision but also amplifies political divides and the debate over the responsible use of government resources.
Additionally, Trump’s comments and actions set a precedent for how former presidents might wield influence over national security decisions, even after leaving office. While current presidents and federal agencies typically dictate Secret Service assignments, Trump’s public involvement in this decision demonstrates the unique political weight that former presidents can still carry.
In the coming days, the Biden family will likely need to address questions about alternative security plans, and the issue may become a focal point for political commentators. The move has already fueled debates on social media, with critics questioning the appropriateness of Trump’s involvement and supporters praising the move as a cost-cutting and accountability measure.
The Secret Service will now pivot to reallocate resources, and Hunter and Ashley Biden will need to make swift arrangements for personal security — either through private agencies or other federal protections if deemed necessary by the current administration.
This decision, while seemingly administrative, highlights the complex balance between presidential privilege, security considerations, public scrutiny, and political rivalry. It underscores the continuing influence that former presidents hold over policies and actions well after their time in office has officially ended.
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