Trump Revokes Secret Service Protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden
Immediate Revocation of Protection for Biden’s Adult Children
US President Donald Trump has announced the immediate revocation of Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden. The protection, initially extended through July, was withdrawn following a reporter’s inquiry about Hunter Biden’s security detail.
Trump’s Announcement on Truth Social
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, stating:
“Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States taxpayer. 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.”
The former president’s office has not yet issued an official statement regarding the decision.
Background on Secret Service Protection
Under federal law, former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection, while security for immediate family members over the age of 16 expires when they leave office. However, both Trump and Biden had previously extended security details for their adult children for six months beyond their terms.
Trump Responds to Reporter Inquiry
During a visit to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Trump was asked whether he planned to revoke Hunter Biden’s Secret Service detail.
“Well, we have done that with many. I would say if there are 18 with Hunter Biden, that will be something I’ll look at this afternoon,” Trump responded, adding that it was the first time he had heard about the matter.
“I’m going to take a look at that,” he said.
Previous Revocations of Security Protection
This is not the first time Trump has revoked security protections for high-profile individuals. In January, he ordered the removal of Secret Service details for former officials, including:
- Mike Pompeo – Former Secretary of State
- Brian Hook – Former Senior Adviser
- John Bolton – Former National Security Adviser
Trump’s decision to revoke their protection came despite US intelligence agencies warning that they faced ongoing threats from Iran due to their actions during his first term. The Biden administration had previously granted them protection based on security assessments.
Security Protocol for Former Officials
Under US security protocols, only former presidents and their spouses are automatically guaranteed lifelong Secret Service protection. Senior officials and family members do not receive permanent protection unless deemed to be at significant risk by US intelligence agencies.
Trump’s decision to revoke Hunter and Ashley Biden’s security detail follows previous instances of security removals for high-profile individuals. While legal provisions allow such actions, the decision raises questions about the implications for personal security and political considerations in Secret Service allocations.
