On March 17, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the immediate termination of Secret Service protection for Hunter Biden and his half-sister, Ashley Biden. Trump cited the substantial taxpayer costs associated with their extended security details—18 agents for Hunter and 13 for Ashley—as the primary reason for this decision.
Typically, Secret Service protection for presidential children continues until they reach 16 years of age. However, former President Joe Biden had extended this coverage for his children beyond that age, a practice that President Trump deemed excessive.
Hunter Biden has faced legal challenges, including convictions on gun and tax charges, for which he received a presidential pardon from his father before leaving office.
Additionally, in July 2023, a small amount of cocaine was discovered in a White House area frequented by staff, including Hunter Biden. Investigations did not conclusively determine the source, and the Biden family was not present at the White House during that weekend.
The termination of Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden has sparked political debate, with critics questioning the necessity of their extended coverage and the associated costs.