Trump abruptly strips Biden’s kids of secret service protection—Taxpayers react!

President Donald Trump has ordered the immediate termination of U.S. Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden. The decision, announced on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, has reignited debate over the scope of Secret Service coverage and the financial burden associated with extended security details for former presidential family members.

Trump’s directive comes amid growing scrutiny of the costs incurred by the federal government to provide security for Hunter and Ashley Biden. The former president cited what he described as “excessive” spending on security details and emphasized that such protections should not extend indefinitely. The Secret Service has acknowledged the order and is taking steps to comply.

Why Did Trump End Secret Service Protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden?

The decision to revoke Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden follows Trump’s broader approach to reassessing security assignments for former government officials and political figures. Trump has previously stated that lifetime protection should not be assumed and has taken similar actions in the past, removing protection for former National Security Advisor John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley.

Trump specifically addressed Hunter Biden‘s security detail while responding to a reporter’s question during a visit to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The inquiry was related to Hunter Biden’s trip to South Africa, where he was reportedly accompanied by a significant security presence. Hours later, Trump confirmed on Truth Social that Hunter Biden’s detail would be pulled “immediately.” Ashley Biden’s security team was also included in the decision.

How Are Secret Service Protections Determined for Former Presidential Families?

Under U.S. federal law, former presidents and their spouses receive lifetime Secret Service protection, unless they decline it. Their children are typically covered by the agency until the age of 16. However, outgoing presidents can authorize extended security details for their adult children, a measure that is often based on perceived security risks.

When Trump left office in 2021, he approved an additional six months of Secret Service protection for his own adult children—Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, and Tiffany Trump—as well as their spouses. Reports indicated that the additional security coverage for Trump’s family members cost taxpayers approximately $1.7 million.

In contrast, the decision to revoke security for Hunter and Ashley Biden raises questions about the selective application of extended protection. While Trump has argued that ongoing taxpayer-funded security details place an unnecessary financial burden on the government, critics have questioned whether the move is politically motivated.

How Much Does Secret Service Protection Cost for Former First Families?

The Secret Service operates with an annual budget exceeding $3 billion, which covers protective services for current and former presidents, vice presidents, their families, and visiting foreign dignitaries. The cost of extending protection to adult children of former presidents can be substantial, especially if those individuals travel frequently or reside overseas.

Trump’s directive to terminate Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden is framed as a cost-cutting measure, but the financial impact remains a point of debate. While Hunter Biden was reportedly traveling with 18 Secret Service agents and Ashley Biden with 13, exact figures on the total expenses incurred during their protection period have not been disclosed by the agency.

The broader question remains whether security decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis or whether former presidential families should receive standardized coverage, regardless of political affiliations. The precedent set by past administrations has varied, making Trump’s decision an especially contentious one.

What Are the Political and Security Implications of This Decision?

The revocation of Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden comes at a time when Hunter Biden remains a focal point of Republican-led investigations. Following a presidential pardon issued by Joe Biden for tax evasion and federal gun charges, Hunter Biden has continued to face scrutiny over his financial dealings. Republican leaders, including Vice President JD Vance, have been vocal in their criticism, further fueling speculation that the decision to remove security protections may have political undertones.

Security experts have cautioned that while it is within a president’s authority to adjust Secret Service assignments, decisions should be weighed against potential risks. The visibility of former presidential family members often makes them targets for threats, which may justify extended protection beyond standard protocols.

Trump’s move also raises broader concerns about the politicization of security measures. While cost-saving arguments resonate with fiscal conservatives, the optics of removing protection from the children of a political opponent may reinforce perceptions of partisan decision-making.

How Does This Compare to Other Presidential Security Decisions?

Historically, Secret Service protection has been a nonpartisan issue, with security measures extended based on perceived threats rather than political affiliations. However, recent administrations have taken different approaches.

For instance, when Barack Obama left office in 2017, his daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama, were no longer eligible for Secret Service protection under federal guidelines. However, given their relatively low public profiles compared to other presidential family members, the lack of extended security did not generate significant controversy.

By contrast, Trump’s decision to provide an additional six months of protection to his own adult children was met with criticism, with some questioning whether such protections were warranted. The estimated $1.7 million cost of extending security for the Trump family underscored the financial burden associated with these measures.

What Happens Next?

With the Secret Service now working to implement Trump’s directive, the immediate logistical implications of the decision remain unclear. Security protocols for former first families are typically adjusted through a structured transition process, and removing protection abruptly could present unforeseen challenges.

Legal analysts have also pointed out that while the president has authority over security assignments, drastic changes in Secret Service coverage have historically been rare. If Hunter and Ashley Biden face credible threats, there may be calls for alternative security arrangements, either through private firms or government reassessments.

Ultimately, the revocation of Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden underscores the ongoing debate over the role and scope of taxpayer-funded security. As discussions around presidential family protections continue, Trump’s decision marks another shift in the evolving policies surrounding post-presidency security measures.