Donald Trump has criticized the “ridiculous” cost of providing Secret Service protection for President Joe Biden’s adult children, Hunter and Ashley Biden. Trump announced that he would revoke their security detail, questioning the need for 18 agents to protect Hunter during a trip to South Africa, where he was reportedly vacationing. Trump also highlighted that Ashley Biden had 13 agents assigned to her, calling the expenditure of taxpayer money excessive.
Trump’s comments came after it was revealed that Biden had extended Secret Service protection for his children for six months after his presidential term ended, a move similar to what Trump did in 2021 for his own children, including Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, their spouses, and Tiffany. That decision reportedly cost taxpayers $1.7 million (£1.3 million). Trump, speaking at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., said he would review the situation and take action to remove the protection for Hunter and Ashley.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed his disapproval, stating that Hunter Biden had enjoyed Secret Service protection for an extended period at the expense of U.S. taxpayers. He also criticized Hunter’s choice to vacation in South Africa, a country with ongoing human rights concerns. Trump concluded his post by announcing that both Hunter and Ashley would immediately lose their Secret Service protection.
Under federal law, former presidents and their spouses are entitled to lifelong Secret Service protection, but this does not extend to their adult children over the age of 16 once they leave office. Outgoing presidents can extend this protection for up to six months after their term ends, a practice followed by both Biden and Trump, as well as former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush.
The decision to revoke Hunter and Ashley’s protection comes amid reports that Hunter Biden has faced significant personal and legal challenges since his father left office. In June, Hunter was found guilty of federal gun charges, and in September, he admitted to tax evasion. However, he received a pardon from his father in December 2023. Critics have questioned the appropriateness of providing taxpayer-funded security to individuals with such legal troubles, while supporters argue that the protection is necessary given the high-profile nature of the Biden family.
There has been no immediate response from Biden’s office regarding Trump’s announcement. The move has sparked debate over the use of public funds for protecting the families of former presidents and whether such measures are justified.
