US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is revoking Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, children of former President Joe Biden. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, claiming that up to 18 Secret Service agents were assigned to protect Hunter Biden while he was vacationing in South Africa this week, describing the security detail as “ridiculous.”

Secret Service Protection Revoked

Trump’s decision comes just months after Joe Biden left office in January 2025. Federal law mandates that former presidents and their spouses receive lifetime Secret Service protection, while their immediate family members over the age of 16 receive protection for six months after leaving office. However, both Trump and Biden had extended their children's protection for an additional six months beyond the mandated period.

Trump justified his decision by stating that Hunter and Ashley Biden's security details were a waste of taxpayers' money, especially considering the large number of agents involved. “Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States taxpayer,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “There are as many as 18 people on this Detail, which is ridiculous!”

18 Agents Assigned to Hunter Biden in South Africa

Trump alleged that 18 agents were assigned to Hunter Biden’s security detail while he was vacationing in South Africa, a country where Trump claims “human rights of people have been strenuously questioned.” He went on to announce that South Africa has been removed from the US list of countries receiving economic and financial assistance due to its alleged record on human rights.

Trump emphasized, “Because of this, South Africa has been taken off our list of countries receiving economic and financial assistance. 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.”

13 Agents Assigned to Ashley Biden

Similarly, Trump pointed out that 13 agents were tasked with protecting Ashley Biden, terming the assignment unnecessary and wasteful. He mentioned that her Secret Service detail was “also being terminated immediately.”

Trump’s Remarks Following Press Inquiry

Trump’s decision to revoke protection followed a query from a reporter who asked him about Hunter Biden’s Secret Service detail. “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 said during a press briefing. “I'm going to take a look at that,” he added.

Federal Law on Secret Service Protection

According to federal law, the Secret Service is mandated to protect:

• Former presidents and their spouses for life.
• Children of former presidents over 16 years old for six months after leaving office, unless the protection is extended by the outgoing president.

Joe Biden had extended the Secret Service protection for his children until July 2025, before his term ended. However, Trump’s decision effectively cuts short that extension.

Hunter Biden’s Controversial Security Detail

Trump’s criticism of Hunter Biden’s security detail is not new. Hunter Biden has been a controversial figure during his father’s presidency, facing scrutiny over business dealings and personal matters. Trump has consistently criticized what he perceives as preferential treatment for Hunter Biden, and his move to revoke Secret Service protection is seen as a continuation of that stance.

Security Risks for Hunter and Ashley Biden

Critics argue that removing Secret Service protection from Hunter and Ashley Biden could put their safety at risk, especially given ongoing political tensions and Hunter Biden’s high-profile status. Security experts have expressed concerns that high-profile figures without protection could become targets for political adversaries or criminals.

Political Implications of Trump’s Move

Trump’s decision is likely to stoke political tensions between the Republican and Democratic parties, as it is seen as a direct attack on the Biden family. While Trump justified the move on grounds of cost efficiency, many analysts argue that security for high-profile political families should not be compromised for political reasons.

Conclusion: Security vs. Political Rivalry

Trump’s revocation of Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden has reignited political debate over the security of former first families and the use of taxpayer money. While Trump claims that the security detail was excessive and unnecessary, critics argue that security should not be politicized and that personal protection should be prioritized over political rivalries. As the debate unfolds, the decision is likely to spark further controversy and raise questions about precedents for future administrations.

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