WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Monday that he is “immediately” terminating the Secret Service protection for Joe Biden’s adult children. This protection had been extended to July by Trump shortly before his departure from office in January.
The Republican President voiced his concerns on social media regarding the alleged assignment of 18 agents to Hunter Biden’s security detail during a recent trip to South Africa. He also stated that Ashley Biden’s detail, which reportedly includes 13 agents, “will be taken off the list” as well.
There has been no immediate comment from the former President’s team.
Federal law mandates lifetime Secret Service protection for former Presidents and their spouses. However, protection for their immediate family members over the age of 16 typically ends when they leave office. Presidents have the option to extend this protection for up to six months for those who would otherwise lose eligibility. Both Biden, for his children, and Trump, for his family in 2021, utilized this extension. Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush also extended protection to their families for a limited time.
“We are aware of the President’s decision to end protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden,” the Secret Service said in a statement. “The Secret Service will comply and is actively coordinating with the protective details and the White House to ensure swift compliance.”
While visiting the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday afternoon, Trump was asked by a reporter about potentially revoking protection for the former President’s son.
“Well, we have done that with many. If there are 18 with Hunter Biden, I’ll be looking into that this afternoon,” Trump responded, claiming it was the first he’d heard of the situation.
“I’m going to take a look at that,” he stated.
