Trump revokes Secret Service protection for Biden's adult children
What's the story
President Donald Trump has announced that he will "immediately" revoke Secret Service protection for Joe Biden's adult children.
Trump's latest decision was posted on social media on Monday.
The US president alleged that as many as 18 agents were assigned to Hunter Biden's protective detail during his vacation to South Africa this week, calling it "ridiculous."
Additional revocation
Ashley Biden's protection also revoked
Trump also disclosed that Ashley Biden, the current President's daughter, too has a protective detail of 13 agents. He declared she too "will be taken off the list."
Trump's move comes despite federal law granting lifelong Secret Service protection to former presidents and their spouses. It doesn't extend the same to immediate family members over 16 years old once they leave office.
Agency's response
Secret Service acknowledges Trump's decision
The Secret Service has confirmed Trump's move to cancel protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden.
The agency released a statement saying, "We are aware of the President's decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden."
The agency also said it will follow Trump's orders and is coordinating with both the protective details and the White House, "to ensure compliance as soon as possible."
Trump's response
Trump's stance on extending protection to his own family
When questioned whether he would revoke security for Hunter Biden, Trump said, "Well, we have done that with many." He added he would consider the matter of Hunter's security detail.
Former presidents and their spouses are entitled to lifelong Secret Service protection under federal law.
But protection for their immediate family members over 16 expires when they leave office, although both Trump and Biden extended their children's details for six months prior to their departure.