Key Highlights:

• Trump announces immediate end to Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden.
• The decision follows claims that Hunter has 18 agents assigned while vacationing in South Africa.
• Both Biden children were previously under extended protection provided by President Biden.

In a decision announced on Monday, President Donald Trump stated he is revoking Secret Service protection for former President Joe Biden's adult children, Hunter and Ashley Biden. This change, described as effective immediately, stems from Trump's concerns over the size of the security details assigned to them. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump mentioned that Hunter's team consists of "as many as 18 people," labeling it as "ridiculous." He further emphasized that Ashley Biden has 13 agents assigned to her protection detail.

Trump's action indicates an ongoing trend of targeting individuals associated with his political opposition. This revoke comes shortly after he muted security protections for other prominent critics, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Dr. Anthony Fauci.

While federal law ensures life-long Secret Service protection for former presidents and their spouses, the protection for children over 16 generally expires once the president leaves office. However, outgoing presidents often utilize their discretion to extend this protection temporarily, a practice both Trump and Biden have engaged in. Trump's decision raises questions about the future integrity of security assignments under political motivations.

The Secret Service confirmed they would comply with Trump's directive, stating, "We are aware of the President's decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden." They are currently working with the protective details and the White House to implement this change promptly.

This latest development in Trump's presidency comes after Biden granted Hunter a full and unconditional pardon just before leaving office, a move that drew mixed responses from the public and political sphere. Trump's announcement is also juxtaposed against remarks he made regarding financial assistance to foreign nations, particularly criticizing South Africa’s human rights record while invoking monetary ties to U.S. aid.

For additional details, read more on The Hill, Newsweek, CBS News, Forbes, South China Morning Post, India Times, and NPR.