US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is immediately revoking Secret Service protection for Joe Biden’s adult children, Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, months before the scheduled expiration of their security details. The decision comes after a reporter’s inquiry into Hunter Biden’s security detail, prompting Trump to respond on his Truth Social platform, as reported by The Guardian.
Immediate termination of protection
Trump stated that Hunter and Ashley Biden’s protection would end “effective immediately.” The former president had previously extended their security details for six months upon leaving office in January, a courtesy that past presidents have also extended to their children. Under federal law, former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection, but security for their adult children over the age of 16 typically ends when the president leaves office unless an extension is granted.
“Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States taxpayer,” Trump posted. “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’s response to reporter’s inquiry
The decision came after Trump was questioned about Hunter Biden’s security detail while touring the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday afternoon. “Well, we have done that with many,” Trump said in response. “I would say if there are 18 with Hunter Biden, that will be something I’ll look at this afternoon.”
He indicated that he had only just learned about the matter. “I’m going to take a look at that,” he added.
Pattern of security revocations
This is not the first time Trump has revoked security details during his second term. In January, he withdrew security protection for Mike Pompeo, his former secretary of state; Brian Hook, a former senior aide; and John Bolton, his former national security adviser, within 72 hours of taking office.
Those revocations sparked concerns because all three men were considered to be at risk due to their involvement in Trump’s foreign policy decisions during his first term, particularly regarding Iran. The Biden administration had previously extended their protection due to ongoing threats from Iran, but Trump moved quickly to remove their security details upon his return to office.
Implications of the decision
Under US security protocol, only former presidents and their spouses automatically retain lifelong Secret Service protection. Senior officials and family members typically do not receive continued protection unless deemed necessary due to specific security threats.
Trump’s decision to end protection for Biden’s children, despite the prior extension granted by Biden before leaving office, raises questions about political motivations and the broader implications for the security of former first families.
There has been no immediate response from Biden’s office regarding the revocation of protection for his children.
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