President Donald Trump has ordered the immediate termination of Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, as well as Ashley Biden, Joe Biden’s daughter. The decision, announced on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social on Monday, has sparked significant debate.
Under U.S. federal law, former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection. However, their adult children are not automatically entitled to the same security. Trump has long criticized Joe Biden, accusing him of using his political influence to shield Hunter Biden from legal consequences.
In his post, Trump described it as “ridiculous” that a total of 31 Secret Service agents were assigned to protect Hunter and Ashley Biden. He specifically pointed out that Hunter Biden was “vacationing in, of all places, South Africa, where the Human Rights of people has been strenuously questioned.”
“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 declared.
Following Trump’s directive, Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi confirmed that the agency will comply with the president’s decision.
The move comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Hunter Biden. In 2024, he was convicted of tax-related offenses and for allegedly concealing his drug addiction while purchasing a firearm. Trump and Republican lawmakers have also accused him of leveraging his father’s political influence for personal gain, claims that the Bidens have consistently denied.
In December, President Joe Biden issued a broad pardon for Hunter Biden, despite earlier assurances that he would not intervene in his son’s legal troubles. The White House defended the decision, arguing that the prosecution was politically motivated.
The pardon faced backlash from both Republicans and some Democrats, with Trump condemning it as “an abuse and miscarriage of justice.”
Trump’s decision to cut Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden raises questions about security protocol changes under his administration. While the U.S. Secret Service typically makes protection recommendations based on security threats, the final decision now rests with the president.
The move is expected to further intensify the ongoing political battle between Trump and Biden as the 2024 presidential race unfolds.