A surprising move by President Donald Trump targets the security detail of Hunter and Ashley Biden, marking a significant shift in the protection of former first family members.
According to USA TODAY, President Trump announced Monday his decision to immediately revoke Secret Service protection for both of President Joe Biden's adult children, citing concerns over the extensive number of personnel assigned to their security details.
The decision affects Hunter Biden, 55, who had 18 agents assigned to his detail, and Ashley Biden, 43, who was protected by 13 agents. Trump's announcement came through his Truth Social platform, where he specifically criticized the size of their security teams and questioned the necessity of such extensive protection.
Trump's swift action following South Africa controversy
Trump's decision emerged shortly after he learned about Hunter Biden's vacation in South Africa. During a visit to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, when questioned about Hunter's security detail abroad, Trump initially claimed he was hearing about it for the first time.
The former president specifically targeted South Africa in his criticism, questioning the country's human rights record. This criticism aligns with his recent executive order that halted aid to South Africa over alleged human rights violations, particularly regarding land reform laws that Trump's administration claimed discriminated against white South Africans.
Hunter Biden's connection to South Africa extends beyond tourism, as his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, was born there. The controversy has drawn additional attention from prominent figures, including South African-born Elon Musk, who has criticized the country's land ownership laws.
Federal protection laws and presidential pardons
Under federal law, lifetime Secret Service protection is guaranteed only to former presidents and their spouses, with an exception if the spouse remarries. Children of former presidents are only entitled to protection until they reach the age of 16.
The security detail controversy follows President Biden's December pardon of Hunter Biden, who faced conviction on three federal gun felonies and federal tax charges in 2024. Biden defended his decision by stating his son had been subject to selective and unfair prosecution.
Trump's recent move adds Hunter and Ashley Biden to a growing list of individuals whose protection he has revoked. Previously, he stripped former national security adviser John Bolton of both security clearance and Secret Service protection on his first day in office.
Trump expressed his disapproval of the security arrangements through Truth Social, stating:
Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States Taxpayer. There are as many as 18 people on this Detail, which is ridiculous!
Breaking down the security decision aftermath
The immediate revocation of protection raises questions about the safety of the Biden children, particularly Hunter, who continues to face public scrutiny. The decision particularly affects Hunter's international travel, as demonstrated by his current vacation in South Africa.
Legal experts are now examining the implications of Trump's decision, considering the unprecedented nature of a sitting president revoking protection for his predecessor's adult children. The move has sparked discussions about the extent of presidential authority over Secret Service assignments.
Unfolding developments in presidential security measures
President Trump's sudden revocation of Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden represents a significant departure from traditional security protocols for former first families. The decision, announced Monday, immediately terminated the security details of 18 and 13 agents respectively assigned to protect President Biden's adult children. The move follows Trump's criticism of Hunter Biden's vacation in South Africa and broader concerns about the extensive security arrangements, marking another chapter in the complex relationship between the current and former administrations.
