The American taxpayer should pay for the security of the ex-president's adult son, he said

US President Donald Trump has ordered the Secret Service to stop protecting former President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden. 

Former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection under federal law, but the privilege is not automatically extended to their adult children. Trump has long accused his predecessor of preferential treatment of his family and of shielding his son from prosecution.

In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump argued that it was "ridiculous" that at least 18 agents were tasked with protecting the younger Biden and 13 more were protecting the ex-president's daughter, Ashley Biden.

"He is currently vacationing in, of all places, South Africa, where the Human Rights of people has been strenuously questioned," Trump wrote. "Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. Likewise, Ashley Biden who has 13 agents will be taken off the list."

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said on Monday that the agency will comply with the president's decision.

In 2024, Hunter Biden was convicted of tax offenses and of concealing his drug addiction when he filled out paperwork to purchase a revolver. 

Trump and Republicans also accused Hunter Biden of influence peddling and corruption on behalf of his father. The Bidens have denied any wrongdoing.

In December, Joe Biden issued a sweeping pardon of Hunter Biden, despite earlier promises not to interfere in his son's legal problems. He claimed that the prosecution was politically motivated and that "Hunter was singled out only because he is my son." 

The pardon was condemned by Republicans and some Democrats. Trump has labelled it "an abuse and miscarriage of justice."