Trump Cuts Off Mayorkas’ Federal Protection

Man speaking at outdoor event with microphone.

President Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, continuing his efforts to scale back security details for Biden administration officials and family members.

Key Insights

President Trump issued an executive memorandum revoking Mayorkas’ Secret Service protection, with the agency confirming they are working to comply
This decision follows Trump’s move last week to cut Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden
Trump has criticized the extensive protection for Biden family members, claiming Hunter Biden had as many as 18 agents assigned
The move signals a significant shift in how security resources are allocated to former administration officials
This follows Mayorkas’ impeachment by the House during his tenure as DHS Secretary

Trump Orders Removal of Mayorkas’ Security Detail

In a decisive move as part of his administration’s review of federal security resources, President Donald Trump has ordered the termination of Secret Service protection for former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The action comes through an executive memorandum issued by the President, with the Secret Service confirming they are actively working to comply with the directive. This marks another significant change in how the administration is allocating security resources for former officials.

The termination of Mayorkas’ protection follows the House’s impeachment of the former secretary, which centered primarily on his handling of border security issues—a key priority of the Trump administration. Mayorkas had been a controversial figure throughout his tenure, facing significant criticism from Republicans over the migration crisis at the southern border. The removal of his security detail represents a concrete consequence following that political battle.

Broader Pattern of Security Cutbacks

The decision to revoke Mayorkas’ protection is part of a broader pattern of security detail reductions implemented by the Trump administration. Just one week earlier, President Trump announced he was ending Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Biden. These moves align with Trump’s stated goal of reducing what he views as excessive security arrangements for certain individuals no longer in government service.

In his critique of the security arrangements, Trump specifically called out the extensive protection provided to Hunter Biden, which reportedly involved as many as 18 agents. Similarly, Ashley Biden’s detail included 13 agents according to administration officials. The Secret Service has acknowledged these changes, stating that they are working to adapt their protective operations in accordance with the President’s directives.

🚨 #Breaking President Trump Cuts Mayorkas’s Secret Service Detail: Ends $500K Monthly Taxpayer Bill

3/24/25, President Trump revoked Secret Service protection for ex-DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas today, per WaPo—a move conservatives on X cheer. Mayorkas, out since 1/20/25,… pic.twitter.com/6fwQFMJsxA

— PitunisWorld 🌎 (@ScMesab) March 24, 2025

Secret Service Protection Guidelines and Precedents

While former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection under federal law, protection for their immediate family members typically ends when they leave office. The exception applies to children under 16 years old. Both Trump and Biden had previously extended protection for their adult children for six months after leaving office, creating precedents that the current administration is now revisiting and modifying.

During the Biden administration, an exception was made for Barron Trump, who was allowed to retain his Secret Service protection after turning 16. This reciprocal courtesy is now being balanced against the administration’s focus on fiscal responsibility and appropriate allocation of security resources. The Secret Service has indicated it will continue to make adjustments based on threat assessments and presidential directives.

Implications for Federal Security Protocols

The revocation of Mayorkas’ protection raises questions about how security determinations will be made for former high-ranking officials going forward. Traditionally, cabinet secretaries in charge of national security agencies have often received extended protection based on threat assessments. This shift signals a more stringent approach to determining who qualifies for federal protection after leaving office, potentially establishing new standards that emphasize fiscal restraint.

Security experts note that these decisions typically involve careful consideration of threat intelligence and risk assessments. The Trump administration appears to be implementing a more restrictive interpretation of who requires ongoing protection, focusing federal resources on individuals with clearly established security needs. This approach aligns with the administration’s broader goals of government efficiency and accountability in the use of taxpayer resources.