Trump Strips Secret Service Protection from Joe Biden’s Children

Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for former President Joe Biden’s children.

On Monday, Trump announced he was removing protection for Hunter Biden, Biden’s son, “effective immediately.” He also stated that Hunter’s sister, Ashley Biden, would lose her Secret Service detail.

Trump criticized the extensive protection given to the Bidens, saying, “Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States Taxpayer. There are as many as 18 people on this Detail, which is ridiculous!” He added that Ashley Biden, who had 13 agents, would also be “taken off the list.”

Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service’s chief of communications, confirmed the decision, stating, “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 Secret Service protection for a president’s family typically ends after they leave office, former presidents and their spouses are entitled to lifetime protection. Biden had previously extended protection for his adult children until July through an executive order.

Precedents exist where presidents have extended protection for their children before leaving office. For instance, Trump authorized six months of additional protection for his adult children after his presidency ended in 2021. The Trump children’s travel reportedly cost taxpayers more than $140,000 in just the first month after his term.