President Trump ends Secret Service protection for Biden’s adult children, leaving Hunter Biden to find his own security while vacationing in South Africa.
Quick Takes
- Trump immediately terminated Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden that had been extended beyond the traditional end-of-presidency period.
- Hunter Biden had up to 18 agents and Ashley Biden had 13 agents, costing taxpayers significant resources.
- The Secret Service confirmed they are working to comply with Trump’s decision.
- Hunter Biden is currently in South Africa without U.S. government protection.
- The decision raises questions about security risks versus appropriate use of taxpayer resources.
Trump Ends Extended Secret Service Protection
President Donald Trump announced the immediate termination of Secret Service protection for Joe Biden’s adult children, Hunter and Ashley Biden. The protection had been initially extended by former President Biden until July, months after leaving office in January. This extension followed precedent set by previous administrations, including those of Barack Obama and George W. Bush, who also temporarily extended protection for their families beyond their time in office. The Secret Service confirmed they are working to implement Trump’s directive, which affects approximately 30 taxpayer-funded agents.
According to established protocols, former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection, but protection for their children over 16 years of age typically ends when they leave office unless specifically extended for up to six months. Trump’s decision effectively ends this extended period of protection ahead of schedule, returning to the standard policy that limits such costly security measures to the immediate post-presidency period.
Resource Allocation and Cost Concerns
Trump specifically criticized the number of agents assigned to the Biden children, noting that Hunter Biden had been provided with 18 agents and Ashley Biden with 13. This level of protection represents significant federal resources and taxpayer expense. The security detail for both Biden children consisted of approximately 30 agents in total, raising questions about the appropriate allocation of government resources for adult children of former presidents who are no longer in office.
“We are aware of the President’s decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden,” – The agency
When questioned about the decision, Trump indicated he would review the situation regarding Hunter Biden’s protection after being informed about it. “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, suggesting the move was part of a broader review of Secret Service resource allocation. Many fiscal conservatives have praised the decision as responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds.
Hunter Biden’s Current Situation
The timing of the security removal is notable as Hunter Biden is currently vacationing in South Africa, a country that has recently been removed from the list of nations receiving U.S. economic and financial assistance due to human rights concerns. Without Secret Service protection, Hunter Biden would need to arrange private security if he desires continued protection during his international travel. Some supporters of the decision have suggested that the Biden family should use their own financial resources for security arrangements.
“Hunter reportedly was running the White House after his father got bulldozed by Trump in the CNN debate last June.” Nick Sortor
Hunter Biden has been a controversial figure throughout his father’s presidency. Reports indicate he may have attended sensitive meetings without a security clearance, raising concerns about national security protocols. Critics have also accused Hunter Biden of running what they describe as a government access scheme that potentially compromised the Biden family. These allegations have fueled debate about whether continued Secret Service protection was warranted given the circumstances.
Precedent and Future Implications
The decision to end protection for adult children of former presidents has historical precedent, as protection typically ends when a president leaves office unless specifically extended. While the Biden administration chose to extend this protection, Trump’s reversal of this decision falls within presidential authority over Secret Service assignments. The move may establish expectations for future administrations regarding the appropriate duration and extent of protection for family members of former presidents, particularly adult children who are not minors requiring parental guardianship.
Sources:
- Trump says he’s ending Secret Service protection for Biden’s adult children
- Trump Made Some Changes to Hunter Biden’s Secret Service Detail
