Trump revokes Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden
- Donald Trump revoked the Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, which he deemed excessive.
- He expressed concern about taxpayer-funded security, especially after being informed of the number of agents assigned.
- This action highlights the ongoing tensions between Trump and the Biden family, indicating Trump's aggressive stance toward political adversaries.
On Monday, March 16, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced that he was revoking Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden and his sister Ashley Biden. Trump expressed his surprise when informed that Hunter Biden had 18 Secret Service agents protecting him during a recent trip to South Africa, where he was staying in an ultra-luxurious beachfront villa. Trump's comments regarding Hunter's security detail were made public shortly after he learned of the situation, highlighting his discontent with the excessive use of taxpayer-funded security for the Bidens. Trump characterized the presence of 18 agents as "ridiculous" and indicated that he would evaluate the situation further. He also criticized Hunter Biden's trip to South Africa, tying it to his administration's strong stance against the country over its policies regarding the white Afrikaner minority. The decision to withdraw protection from the Bidens comes only days after Trump had been made aware of the specifics of Hunter's security detail. In addition to taking action against Hunter Biden, Trump also announced that Ashley Biden, who allegedly had 13 agents assigned to her protection, would lose her security detail. This decision was made effective immediately and was in line with the typical process where Secret Service protection for a president's family ceases once the former president leaves office. Despite the generally understood norm that protects former presidents and their spouses for life, this withdrawal of security from the Bidens marks a significant move in political relations between Trump and the current president's family. This announcement reflects Trump's continuing propensity to revoke security measures for individuals whom he feels have crossed him or are undeserving of such expenditures from taxpayers. Following his departure from office, Trump had been known to reverse security arrangements for various officials and individuals that he saw as adversaries, signaling a potentially contentious campaign season ahead as he prepares for potential future electoral engagements.