President Donald Trump announced Monday that he will discontinue “immediately” the Secret Service security details granted to Democrat Joe Biden’s adult children, which the former president had extended until July soon before leaving office in January.
The Republican president took to social media to criticise what he said were 18 agents assigned to Hunter Biden’s protection group when in South Africa this week. He claimed Ashley Biden had 13 agents assigned to her detail and that she, too, “will be taken off the list.”
There was no immediate reaction from the former president’s office.
Former presidents and their spouses receive life-long Secret Service protection under federal law. Still, the protection afforded to their immediate families over the age of 16 ends when they leave office. But outgoing presidents can extend protection for those who might otherwise not be eligible for up to six months after they leave office, something Biden did for his children and Trump did for his family after leaving office in 2021. Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush also extended protection for their families for a period.
“We are aware of the President’s decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden,” the agency said in a statement. “The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible.”
While touring the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Monday afternoon, a reporter asked Trump if he would revoke the protection for the former president’s son.
“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 said, who added this was the first time he heard about the matter.
“I’m going to take a look at that,” he said.
