WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Joe Biden, marking another step in his efforts to target political opponents.

In a post on his Truth Social platform Tuesday, Trump criticized what he called an excessive security detail for Hunter Biden, claiming he had up to 18 agents protecting him. He also announced that Ashley Biden’s security detail, reportedly consisting of 13 agents, would be withdrawn.

“Please be advised that, effective immediately, Hunter Biden will no longer receive Secret Service protection. Likewise, Ashley Biden… will be taken off the list,” Trump wrote.

Federal law grants lifelong Secret Service protection to former presidents and their spouses, while their children receive coverage only until age 16. However, adult children of presidents often receive extended protection for a period of time.

A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed Trump’s directive, stating, “We are aware of the President’s decision to terminate protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden. The Secret Service will comply and is actively working with the protective details and the White House to ensure compliance as soon as possible.”

Hunter Biden has long been a focal point of Republican criticism, with attacks intensifying after his father pardoned his tax and gun-related convictions before leaving office in January. On Monday, Trump declared that those pardons were void, a move with unclear legal standing.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has also revoked security clearances for Joe Biden, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the country’s COVID-19 response.

The White House defended the decision, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating in January that individuals are “not entitled to security protection and clearances for life.”

During his first presidency, Trump extended Secret Service protection for six months to his four adult children and several senior officials, a move that cost taxpayers $1.7 million, according to The Washington Post.

Asaba, Nigeria – Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed four suspected kidnappers in a gunfight and recovered an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, according to a statement by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe.

Edafe said the police had earlier arrested a suspect on March 9, 2025, while he was attempting to buy ammunition for an AK-47 rifle. During interrogation, the suspect revealed the rifle’s location, leading the police to a bush along the railway line in Agbarho. Upon arrival, the gang engaged the police in a fierce shootout, leaving four suspects with fatal gunshot wounds.

The injured suspects were taken to the General Hospital in Ughelli, where they were later confirmed dead. Their bodies have been deposited in the morgue as police intensify efforts to track down other fleeing gang members.

In a separate operation, police operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area.

Edafe revealed that on March 12, 2025, a resident of Ibusa reported to the police that his friend’s wife had been kidnapped on March 7, 2025, and a ransom was paid. He also disclosed that he was responsible for delivering the ransom and food items to the kidnappers.

Acting on this information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ibusa mobilized a team alongside local vigilantes and stormed a bush hideout, leading to the arrest of Abdulahi Isah, a suspected member of the gang.

The suspect is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.