Washington — On Monday, President Trump announced that he would be terminating Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden, “effective immediately.” In addition, Trump stated that Hunter’s sister, Ashley Biden, would also lose her Secret Service detail.
“Hunter Biden has enjoyed Secret Service protection for a lengthy period, all funded by the U.S. taxpayer. There are as many as 18 individuals on this detail, which is absurd!” Trump remarked, pointing out that Hunter is currently on vacation in South Africa, the home country of his wife. “Similarly, Ashley Biden, who has 13 agents, will be removed from the list.”
Typically, Secret Service protection for the family of a president ceases when the leader leaves the White House, whereas former presidents and their spouses are entitled to lifetime Secret Service protection.
Biden had extended protection for his adult children through July via an executive order, according to various sources knowledgeable about the protective arrangement.
It is not uncommon for a president to authorize an extension of protection for their children prior to leaving office.
Mr. Trump had similarly extended protection for his four adult children and their spouses before his first term concluded in 2021, as confirmed by multiple sources to CBS News. Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, and Tiffany Trump received six months of additional protection following their father’s departure from the White House. By law, Secret Service was obligated to protect Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump, until he turned 16.
The watchdog organization, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, released records indicating that Mr. Trump’s children’s travel cost taxpayers over $140,000 in the first month after he left the White House.
Additionally, previous presidents have also extended protection for their children.
