Mar, 19 2025
Trump Ends Protection for Biden's Children
President Donald Trump took the spotlight on March 18, 2025, with a major announcement on his Truth Social account. He decided to terminate U.S. Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, children of the former President Joe Biden. This move comes in the wake of significant scrutiny over Hunter Biden's security detail during a recent vacation in South Africa. According to Trump, as many as 18 agents were assigned to Hunter's protection, a number he criticized as 'ridiculous.' Ashley Biden, Joe Biden's daughter, had a detail consisting of 13 agents, which also didn't sit well with Trump.
The Secret Service, known for its strict adherence to directives, confirmed they will comply with Trump's order. By law, former presidents and their spouses receive lifetime protection, but their children over 16 typically lose such security unless an extension is granted. Both Trump and Biden previously opted to extend this protection for their adult children by six months post-presidency.
Hunter Biden's South Africa Trip and Its Aftermath
Hunter Biden's trip to South Africa was not without its controversies. The timing of the scrapped protection coincides with rising diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and South Africa. The latter has been in the crosshairs due to its controversial land seizure policies and reported support for groups like Hamas. Amid these geopolitical complexities, Hunter found himself under the lens for receiving extensive security services abroad, amplified by his existing financial woes. The son of the former president was recently pardoned by Joe Biden for tax evasion and gun charges, yet continues to encounter intense criticism from Republican quarters.
This isn't the first occasion Trump has exercised his authority to revoke Secret Service protection. Previously, he has withdrawn security measures for individuals such as John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, Mark Milley, and Anthony Fauci. Trump's recent decision repeats a pattern of choiceful revocation in his administration, emphasizing a nuanced stance on resource allocation within the Secret Service.
With Hunter Biden grappling with financial struggles and ongoing political attacks, the revocation of his protection contributes to the challenges he faces. Meanwhile, Ashley Biden, though less publicly criticized, is similarly without the safeguards previously assured by the Secret Service. The Biden family now stands at a crossroads, navigating a complex landscape of political fallouts and personal trials without federal protection.