Former US President Donald Trump made a shocking decision on Tuesday (17th), announcing the immediate revocation of Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden, children of President Joe Biden.
The sudden move, made public through Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, triggered widespread debate and speculation.
Trump stated, 'Hunter Biden has been under Secret Service protection for too long, costing American taxpayers millions.
That stops today.
' He also ordered the removal of Ashley Biden’s security detail, which had been protected by 13 Secret Service agents.
The decision took effect immediately.
Earlier that day, a reporter asked Trump if he was aware of Hunter Biden’s security arrangements.
Trump responded vaguely, stating that he would look into the matter.
Just hours later, he issued the order to strip the protection.
According to the Associated Press, former presidents and their spouses are entitled to lifetime Secret Service protection under federal law.
However, protection for their children, if over 16, typically ends when the president leaves office.
Both Trump and Biden had previously granted special extensions to their children's security, but Trump’s abrupt termination has raised concerns about its necessity and motivation.
Notably, this is not the first time Trump has revoked Secret Service protection.
In January, he also removed security details for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former Iran Special Representative Brian Hook, and former National Security Advisor John Bolton.
Intelligence agencies had previously assessed that these officials still faced threats from Iran, prompting the Biden administration to extend their security.
However, Trump swiftly reversed those measures upon taking office.
The move has sparked speculation, with some believing it aligns with Trump's cost-cutting, small-government stance.
Others suspect political motives, given Hunter Biden’s ongoing legal troubles and the deep-seated rivalry between Trump and the Biden family.
As of now, the White House and the Biden family have yet to respond, and the Secret Service has not disclosed any alternative security plans.
The decision has fueled discussions on whether such security protections should be subject to political discretion or if a more standardized policy is necessary.
There is also a broader debate about the implications of using security measures as a political tool.
History shows that presidential security decisions have often reflected political landscapes rather than purely safety concerns.
If such actions continue unchecked, they may set a precedent for future administrations to manipulate security for personal or political gain.