President Donald Trump declared on Monday that Secret Service security for Hunter and Ashley Biden would be terminated immediately. The two individuals hold the title of being President Joe Biden's children. The statement released by Trump explained his choice to cut funding for the security details through concerns about public spending.
Details of the Decision
The available records indicate that Hunter Biden received protection from eighteen Secret Service agents whereas his sister Ashley Biden received service from thirteen agents. Trump referred to these protective details as completely impractical since they imposed too much taxation cost. During his most recent South African vacation Hunter Biden drew criticism from Trump since the nation had recently been eliminated from U.S. financial aid due to human rights violations.
Secret Service Response
The Secret Service declared that they will cooperate alongside protective details and White House personnel to implement the presidential order expeditiously.
Background on Secret Service Protection
By federal legislation Secret Service must continue to provide end-to-end protective services for all former presidents along with their life partners. The Secret Service provides protection to family members older than 16 years old until they discontinue their relationship with the former president. The former presidents Trump and Biden used to prolong secret service protection for their children throughout their term but also extended this benefit for six months through their final months in office.
Political Context
The withdrawal of security enhances existing political conflicts which exist between Trump and the Biden family members. The political sphere focuses intensely on Hunter Biden because of his personal legal difficulties and his business operations outside the United States. The withdrawal of Secret Service protection by Trump could escalate partisan debates regarding how Biden family members spend public security funds and their actual activities.