Trump Revokes Secret Service Protection for Biden’s Adult Children, Citing Excessive Detail Size
Former President Donald Trump has ignited a new political firestorm by announcing the immediate revocation of Secret Service protection for President Joe Biden’s two adult children, Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden. Trump’s decision, revealed in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, claims the number of agents assigned to the Biden siblings is "ridiculous" and represents an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.
Trump specifically targeted the size of the security details assigned to Hunter and Ashley Biden, asserting that Hunter had as many as 18 agents while Ashley had 13. He emphasized that these details were "all paid for by the United States Taxpayer," implying that the costs were excessive and unjustified. The move has been met with swift condemnation from Democrats and legal experts, who question the legality and appropriateness of targeting a political opponent’s family members in this manner.
The announcement came shortly after Trump was questioned by a reporter about Hunter Biden’s recent vacation in South Africa. Initially, Trump claimed ignorance of the detail but pledged to "take a look at" the situation. Within hours, he acted, broadening the scope to include Ashley Biden as well.
The decision raises several legal and ethical concerns. Traditionally, former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection, with their children guaranteed protection only until the age of 16. However, there have been instances where adult children of presidents have been granted continued protection based on specific threat assessments and security needs. Trump’s action appears to deviate from this established practice, raising questions about whether it is motivated by legitimate security concerns or political animus.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is Hunter Biden’s legal history. In December, President Biden pardoned his son after he was convicted of three federal gun felonies and federal tax charges earlier in 2024. Trump has consistently criticized the pardon, accusing the Justice Department of being biased and claiming that Hunter Biden was being "selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted."
Trump also seized the opportunity to criticize Hunter Biden’s choice of vacation destination, questioning his decision to visit South Africa, a country where "the Human Rights of people has been strenuously questioned." This remark appears to align with Trump’s broader foreign policy views, as he signed an executive order last month halting "aid and assistance" to South Africa over "human rights violations," including a land reform act he characterized as discriminatory against white South Africans.
Interestingly, Hunter Biden’s wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, is a South African native. Trump’s criticism of South Africa and Hunter Biden’s visit to the country could be interpreted as a veiled attack on Cohen Biden as well.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s revocation of Secret Service protection for the Biden children is further amplified by his own history of taking similar actions against political adversaries and former aides. On his first day in office, Trump revoked the security clearance of his former National Security Advisor John Bolton, along with his Secret Service protection. These actions have led to accusations of using presidential power to settle personal scores and silence dissent.
The decision to strip Secret Service protection is not without precedent. Historically, the Secret Service has provided protection to former presidents, their spouses, and their children under the age of 16. The rationale behind this protection is to safeguard these individuals from potential threats due to their association with the highest office in the United States.
However, the extension of Secret Service protection to adult children of former presidents has been a subject of debate and scrutiny. While there have been instances where adult children have received continued protection, these decisions are typically based on specific threat assessments and security needs. Factors such as ongoing threats, public profiles, and potential vulnerability can influence the decision to extend protection.
Legal experts are divided on the legality and appropriateness of Trump’s actions. Some argue that the decision falls within the president’s purview, as the Secret Service operates under the executive branch. They maintain that the president has the authority to determine who receives protection and to allocate resources accordingly.
Others argue that Trump’s decision is politically motivated and potentially illegal. They point to the fact that Hunter and Ashley Biden have not been credibly linked to any credible threats that would warrant the termination of protection. They also argue that the decision could be seen as an abuse of power, as it targets a political opponent’s family members for personal or political gain.
The revocation of Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden raises several questions about the future of security for former presidents and their families. It remains to be seen whether this decision will set a precedent for future administrations or whether it will be reversed by a future president.
The political ramifications of Trump’s decision are also significant. The move is likely to further polarize the political landscape and exacerbate tensions between Republicans and Democrats. It could also serve as a rallying cry for Trump’s base, who view it as a bold and decisive action against the Biden family.
Meanwhile, Democrats are likely to condemn the decision as petty, vindictive, and an abuse of power. They may use it as a fundraising tool and to mobilize their supporters against Trump and the Republican Party.
The incident also shines a spotlight on the complex relationship between politics and security in the United States. The Secret Service is tasked with protecting the president, vice president, and other high-ranking officials, but its actions can also have political implications. The decision to provide or revoke Secret Service protection can be seen as a political statement, and it can influence public perception of the individuals involved.
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, a White House Correspondent for USA TODAY, has been closely following the story and providing insightful analysis. Her reporting highlights the legal and political complexities surrounding the decision and its potential impact on the Biden family and the broader political landscape.
As the controversy unfolds, it is clear that Trump’s decision to revoke Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden will have far-reaching consequences. It raises fundamental questions about the role of the Secret Service, the power of the presidency, and the intersection of politics and security in the United States.
