Trump removes Secret Service protection from Hunter Biden

The American taxpayer should pay for the security of the ex-president’s adult son, he said. US President Donald Trump has directed the Secret Service to cease protection for former President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden. While former presidents...

Trump removes Secret Service protection from Hunter Biden
The American taxpayer should pay for the security of the ex-president’s adult son, he said.

US President Donald Trump has directed the Secret Service to cease protection for former President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden.

While former presidents and their spouses are entitled to lifelong Secret Service protection under federal law, this privilege does not automatically extend to their adult children. Trump has frequently accused his predecessor of giving preferential treatment to his family and of protecting his son from prosecution.

In a statement on Truth Social on Monday, Trump criticized the allocation of resources for the protection of Hunter Biden, stating it was “ridiculous” that at least 18 agents were dedicated to his security, in addition to 13 agents assigned to protect his daughter, Ashley Biden.

“He is currently vacationing in, of all places, South Africa, where the Human Rights of people has been strenuously questioned,” Trump wrote. “Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. Likewise, Ashley Biden who has 13 agents will be taken off the list.”

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi confirmed on Monday that the agency would follow the president’s directive.

In 2024, Hunter Biden was convicted of tax violations and for failing to disclose his drug addiction when applying for a firearm. Trump and other Republicans have accused Hunter of influence peddling and corruption on behalf of his father, claims the Bidens have denied.

In December, Joe Biden issued a broad pardon for Hunter, despite earlier pledges not to interfere with his son’s legal matters. He contended that the prosecution was politically motivated and that “Hunter was singled out only because he is my son.”

The pardon faced criticism from both Republicans and some Democrats, with Trump describing it as “an abuse and miscarriage of justice."

Aarav Patel for TROIB News