Should Hunter Biden’s 90-Day Cape Town Vacation Come with Secret Service Protection?

A Luxurious Escape to Cape Town

Cape Town, with its stunning Table Mountain views, vibrant culture, and world-class beaches, is a dream destination for many. For Hunter Biden, it’s apparently the perfect spot for an extended 90-day retreat. According to posts circulating on X, he’s vacationing with his South African-born wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, and their son. But while most tourists fund their own trips, Hunter’s stay comes with an extra perk: a full Secret Service entourage, courtesy of U.S. taxpayers.

This isn’t just a quick holiday—it’s a quarter-year escape to one of South Africa’s premier cities. The question on everyone’s mind is: why does Hunter Biden, a private citizen with no official government role, still qualify for such protection, especially abroad?

The Cost of Protection: Who’s Paying?

The Secret Service doesn’t come cheap. Providing round-the-clock security for 90 days in a foreign country like South Africa involves significant logistics—agents, travel, accommodations, and more. Historically, immediate family members of former presidents receive Secret Service protection for a limited time after leaving office, typically six months for adult children. Joe Biden’s presidency ended in January 2025, and as of March 08, 2025, Hunter’s protection window is still active. But should it extend to a three-month international vacation?

Critics argue that this is an outrageous misuse of taxpayer dollars. Posts on X have called it “just outrageous,” with some suggesting that Hunter’s financial situation—he recently claimed to a judge he was broke—makes the taxpayer-funded security even more indefensible. If he can’t afford his own expenses, who’s funding the Cape Town getaway itself? The optics aren’t great, and the timing—amid economic concerns in the U.S.—only fuels the fire.

Trump’s Potential Move: Pulling the Detail

Enter President Donald Trump, who returned to the White House in January 2025. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Trump has already made headlines by revoking security clearances and details for former officials he deems undeserving. From Mike Pompeo to John Bolton, Trump has shown he’s willing to cut ties—and protection—when it suits him. Could Hunter Biden be next?

Social media sentiment, particularly on X, is clear: many believe Trump should consider pulling Hunter’s Secret Service detail. “President Trump should act now,” one user posted, echoing a growing chorus of voices. With Trump’s administration focused on slashing wasteful spending, ending security for Hunter’s extended Cape Town vacation could be a symbolic win for his base—and a message to the Biden family.

What It Means for South Africa

For South Africans, this story hits closer to home. Cape Town is no stranger to high-profile visitors, but Hunter Biden’s prolonged stay, complete with U.S. security, raises questions about sovereignty and local resources. How does the presence of American Secret Service agents affect South African authorities? Are local police or security forces coordinating with them, and if so, at what cost to South Africa?

Moreover, Hunter’s wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, hails from Johannesburg, giving this story a personal tie to the nation. While it’s unclear if family connections influenced the choice of Cape Town, it’s a reminder of South Africa’s global appeal—and the occasional controversies that come with it.

The Bigger Picture: Privilege and Accountability

This isn’t just about Hunter Biden or Cape Town—it’s about privilege, accountability, and how governments allocate resources. In the U.S., taxpayers are asking why they’re funding a private citizen’s luxury vacation. In South Africa, residents might wonder why foreign security details are operating on their soil for a non-official visit. And globally, the debate ties into broader discussions about fairness and political legacies.

President Trump has a decision to make. Pulling Hunter’s security could be a bold move, aligning with his administration’s cost-cutting ethos and sending a signal that no one’s above scrutiny—not even the son of a former president. On the flip side, keeping it in place might avoid diplomatic ripples with South Africa, a key U.S. partner in Africa.

What Do You Think?

The Hunter Biden Cape Town saga is more than a travel story—it’s a lightning rod for debates about money, power, and responsibility. Should President Trump intervene and pull the Secret Service detail? Or is this just another chapter in the Biden family’s polarizing narrative? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned to Africannews.online for the latest updates on this unfolding story.

Hunter Biden Case