President Donald Trump's decision to remove Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden has sparked reactions from agents who served the Biden family.
According to The Western Journal, many Secret Service agents are celebrating the end of their protection duties for the Biden family members, particularly after an incident involving retaliation against an agent who refused to act as an "Uber service" for one of Biden's grandchildren.
The announcement came on Monday through Trump's Truth Social platform, where he highlighted the extensive protection detail assigned to Hunter Biden, consisting of 18 agents. Trump also mentioned Ashley Biden's security detail of 13 agents, declaring both would be immediately removed from protection.
The removal of Secret Service protection has shed light on the agency's struggles with manpower and recruiting issues. Protection for presidential children and grandchildren is not a guaranteed right but rather a privilege granted by sitting presidents.
Trump's decision affects Hunter and Ashley Biden and extends to five Biden grandchildren who previously received protection. The move comes as Hunter Biden continues his vacation in South Africa, a detail Trump specifically mentioned in his announcement.
RealClearPolitics reporter Susan Crabtree revealed that many agents within the service expressed relief at no longer having to cover the Biden family members. Their sentiments stem from various incidents, including one that resulted in alleged retaliation against an agent.
A particularly noteworthy incident occurred in August 2021 involving Maisy Biden, Hunter's daughter, during a late-night outing. The situation escalated when one of Maisy's friends repeatedly demanded additional stops during their journey home.
According to the lawsuit filed by the affected agent, when he refused to make unscheduled stops and mentioned that the Secret Service "is not an Uber service," he faced serious consequences. Despite Maisy herself apologizing for her friend's behavior, someone from the Biden family or the White House filed a complaint.
The agent claims he was forced to document the incident but was instructed by a superior to omit any details that might reflect poorly on Maisy or her companions. This directive has become part of a larger legal complaint against the agency.
The Secret Service's Office of Communication and Media Relations provided a measured response to the allegations. They outlined various channels through which federal employees can raise personnel complaints, including the Office of Professional Responsibility and the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General.
Trump's decision has garnered support from those who view the extensive protection details as an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. Critics have drawn comparisons to the protection arrangements of other presidential families, noting the apparent lack of similar incidents.
The agency's response avoided directly addressing the specific allegations, maintaining their policy of not commenting on employee matters or pending litigation. This stance has left many questions unanswered regarding the alleged retaliation incident.
The removal of Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden marks a significant shift in the relationship between the agency and the Biden family. The decision affects not only the immediate family members but also extends to five Biden grandchildren who previously received protection services. The controversy surrounding the Maisy Biden incident and subsequent alleged retaliation against a Secret Service agent has brought attention to the challenges faced by protection details. As the situation continues to develop, questions remain about the impact on both the Secret Service's operations and the safety of the Biden family members who no longer receive protection.
