President Donald Trump's latest executive decision affects the security arrangements of Hunter and Ashley Biden, children of former President Joe Biden.
According to the New York Post, Trump announced on Monday the immediate revocation of Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, following reports of Hunter's luxurious South African vacation while missing a scheduled court deposition.
The decision came after Trump learned about Hunter Biden's government-funded security detail of up to 18 agents accompanying him during his stay at a $500-per-night villa in Cape Town. The former first son's vacation coincided with his scheduled appearance for a legal matter involving Marco Polo, a nonprofit organization that published content from his laptop.
The timing of Hunter Biden's South African trip raised eyebrows within political circles. He departed for the vacation shortly after claiming financial hardship in court proceedings, stating that his memoir and artwork sales had declined significantly.
During his stay in Cape Town, Hunter was photographed shopping with his South African-born wife Melissa Cohen. The couple occupied an upscale resort described as an "ultra-luxurious designer home" offering panoramic ocean views.
The Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed the agency's awareness of Trump's decision. They are currently working with the protective details and the White House to implement the directive, though the process cannot begin until the necessary paperwork is completed.
Trump expressed particular concern about the number of agents assigned to protect the Biden children. He questioned the necessity of maintaining such extensive security details at taxpayer expense.
The president's announcement aligned with his previous actions regarding Secret Service protection. Earlier this year, he withdrew security details from former officials including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton.
Trump posted on Truth Social, expressing his disapproval of Hunter's protection detail. He stated:
Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States Taxpayer. There are as many as 18 people on this Detail, which is ridiculous!
The situation has broader implications for U.S.-South Africa relations. Trump mentioned his administration's decision to halt foreign aid to South Africa, citing concerns about the country's human rights record and land redistribution policies.
Former White House aide Garrett Ziegler criticized Hunter's trip, suggesting it was an attempt to flee the country. He advocated for the removal of Secret Service protection and recommended that Joe Biden personally finance his children's security arrangements.
The Secret Service confirmed Hunter's protection status but declined to specify the exact number of agents assigned to his detail during the South African trip.
President Trump's decision to terminate Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden marks a significant shift in the security arrangements for the former first family. The move affects Hunter Biden, who was traveling in South Africa with a substantial security detail, and his sister Ashley, who had 13 agents assigned to her protection. The Secret Service is now working to implement Trump's directive, though the process requires proper documentation before the security details can be officially disbanded.
