WASHINGTON (AP) 鈥� President said Monday he was ending 鈥渋mmediately鈥� the Secret Service protection details assigned to Democrat Joe Biden's adult children, which the former president had extended to July shortly before leaving office in January.
The Republican president on social media objected to what he said were 18 agents assigned to protective detail while in South Africa this week. He said Ashley Biden has 13 agents assigned to her detail and that she too 鈥渨ill be taken off the list."
There was no immediate reaction from the former president's office.
Former presidents and their spouses receive life-long Secret Service protection under federal law, but the protection afforded to their immediate families over the age of 16 ends when they leave office. But outgoing presidents can extend protection for those who might otherwise not be eligible for up to six months after they leave office, something Biden did for his children and Trump did for his family after leaving office in 2021. Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush also extended protection for their families for a period.
鈥淲e are aware of the President鈥檚 decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden,鈥� the agency said in a statement. 鈥淭he Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible.鈥�
While touring the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Monday afternoon, a reporter asked Trump if he would revoke the protection for the former president's son.
鈥淲ell, we have done that with many. I would say if there are 18 with Hunter Biden, that will be something I鈥檒l look at this afternoon," Trump said, who added this was the first time he heard about the matter.
鈥淚鈥檓 going to take a look at that," he said.
Zeke Miller And Michelle L. Price, The Associated Press
