
Trump abruptly terminates taxpayer-funded Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden while he vacations in South Africa, citing excessive use of resources and questions about the Biden family’s ethics.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump has ordered the immediate removal of Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, which Joe Biden had extended until July.
- Hunter Biden reportedly had 18 agents assigned to him while Ashley Biden had 13, totaling about 30 taxpayer-funded agents.
- Former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong protection, but adult children’s protection typically ends when a president leaves office unless specially extended.
- Hunter Biden has been accused of leveraging government access, raising questions about the appropriateness of extended protection at taxpayer expense.
- The Secret Service has confirmed they are working to comply with Trump’s decision to end the protection.
Trump Cuts Off Secret Service Detail for Biden’s Adult Children
In a decisive move that has conservatives applauding, President Donald Trump has terminated Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, effective immediately. The protection had been specially extended by Joe Biden after leaving office in January, a courtesy that would have continued until July. Trump’s decision comes after learning about the extensive resources dedicated to protecting the adult Biden children – a staggering 18 agents for Hunter Biden and 13 for Ashley Biden, all funded by American taxpayers during a time of economic hardship for many citizens.
The Secret Service has already acknowledged Trump’s order, stating: “We are aware of the President’s decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden.” This swift action by Trump highlights his administration’s focus on fiscal responsibility and proper allocation of government resources. While previous presidents like Obama and Bush also extended protection for their families, the controversy surrounding Hunter Biden’s business dealings and lifestyle has made this particular extension a lightning rod for criticism among conservatives.
Hunter Biden’s Controversial Protection While Vacationing Abroad
Adding fuel to the fire is the timing of Trump’s decision – Hunter Biden is currently vacationing in South Africa with his taxpayer-funded security detail. This vacation comes as many Americans struggle with inflation and economic uncertainty caused by the previous administration’s policies. The optics of Hunter Biden enjoying lavish international travel with a team of 18 federal agents has struck many as particularly tone-deaf, especially given South Africa’s removal from the list of countries receiving U.S. economic assistance due to human rights concerns.
“🚨#BREAKING: President Trump has officially REVOKED Ashley and Hunter Biden’s Secret Service protection effective immediately.” – Nick Sortor
When questioned about the situation, Trump initially showed his characteristic deliberation, saying, “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.” After reviewing the facts, the President acted decisively. The Bidens now have the option to use their own substantial financial resources for private security if they feel it necessary – a more appropriate arrangement given their circumstances.
Questions of Government Access and Influence
Hunter Biden’s controversial past raises serious questions about why he needed such extensive protection in the first place. He has been accused of running what amounts to a government access scheme that allegedly compromised the Biden family’s integrity. More troublingly, reports suggest Hunter attended sensitive meetings without proper security clearance, potentially exposing privileged information to someone without the proper vetting or authorization. These concerns make the extensive protection detail seem less about security and more about privilege.
“Hunter reportedly was running the White House after his father got bulldozed by Trump in the CNN debate last June.” – Nick Sortor
The standard protocol is clear: while former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection, coverage for children over 16 typically ends when a president leaves office. Extensions for up to six months can be granted, but the extraordinary number of agents assigned to the Biden children appears excessive by any reasonable standard. Trump’s action aligns with his promises to drain the swamp and eliminate wasteful government spending that benefits the well-connected at the expense of everyday Americans.
Sources:
- Trump says he’s ending Secret Service protection for Biden’s adult children
- Trump Made Some Changes to Hunter Biden’s Secret Service Detail