Trump Cuts Security for Bidens

A decision to revoke Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden has sparked debate on cost-saving measures versus security risks.

Story Overview

President Trump revoked Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden on March 17, 2025.
The decision was announced via Truth Social, citing cost concerns.
Hunter Biden was vacationing in South Africa at the time of the policy shift.
This move represents a significant policy reversal from the Biden administration.

Trump’s Decision and Its Implications

President Donald Trump announced the immediate revocation of Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden. This announcement was made on March 17, 2025, through Trump’s Truth Social account, citing concerns about the cost and the size of their security details. Trump criticized the security arrangements, stating that Hunter’s detail included 18 agents while Ashley’s included 13 agents. These protections were characterized as excessive, especially with Hunter vacationing in South Africa.

The decision marks a sharp departure from the Biden administration’s policy, which had extended security protections for the former president’s adult children beyond the standard post-presidency period. Typically, Secret Service protection for immediate family members of former presidents ends once they leave office, although outgoing presidents have the discretion to extend this protection. Trump’s decision aligns with his administration’s broader pattern of revoking security details for various officials, emphasizing cost-saving and political messaging.

Reactions and Responses

While the White House did not provide an immediate response to Trump’s announcement, the decision has prompted discussions about the balance between cost-saving measures and the security risks faced by the Biden family. With Hunter Biden losing his protective coverage while vacationing in South Africa, concerns about his safety have been raised, given his history of legal issues and being a target of political attacks. The removal of protection also involves the reassignment of 31 Secret Service agents, representing significant operational adjustments.

This action has reinforced Trump’s narrative about fiscal responsibility and criticism of the Biden family. It also sets a precedent for future administrations, demonstrating that sitting presidents can revoke extended protection for former presidents’ adult children. However, the exact financial savings from this decision remain undisclosed.

Long-Term Implications and Expert Opinions

In the long term, the removal of Secret Service protection could increase the personal safety risks for Hunter Biden, who continues to be a target of political violence and criticism. This decision establishes a precedent that could influence future security decisions for former presidents’ families. While the decision aligns with Trump’s philosophy that protection should not be lifelong, it represents a significant shift from previous administrations’ practices.

"White House Boasts About Stripping ‘Notorious Crackhead and Grifter’ Hunter Biden of Secret Service Protection" – Mediaite #SmartNews https://t.co/qcpW5eQiWn

— Joe Honest Truth (@JoeHonestTruth) January 21, 2026

The timing and manner of the announcement suggest a reactive rather than strategically planned policy decision. The lack of explicit expert commentary or academic analysis leaves questions about the constitutional considerations and security implications of this decision. Nevertheless, the decision has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities and limits of government protection for former presidents’ families.