The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced this Monday that he will immediately end the Secret Service protection assigned to the two sons of former President Joe Biden, Hunter and Ashley Biden. Trump communicated his decision through his Truth Social network, thus joining the withdrawal of protection from other figures such as immunologist Anthony Fauci and former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley.
"Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period, all paid for by the American taxpayer," Trump stated, criticizing the number of agents assigned to the security of Biden's children during their stay in South Africa. While Hunter had 18 agents, Ashley had 13.
It is noteworthy that only former presidents and their spouses receive lifetime protection from the Secret Service, and protection for other family members usually ends upon leaving office. However, Biden had extended protection for his two children for six more months, until July, just before transferring power to Trump in January.
Hunter Biden, convicted last year for tax and gun possession offenses, has been the subject of intense pressure and threats, both from President Trump and his supporters. Before leaving office, Biden granted him a pardon, despite having previously promised not to interfere in his son's legal issues.
