Social media is buzzing with a rumor alleging that Donald Trump ordered the termination of Joe Biden’s taxpayer-funded Secret Service detail following an alleged insult. The circulating posts suggest that Trump rescinded Biden’s lifetime protection after the former president reportedly referred to him as a "loser." This has led to widespread online discussion and questions about the security status of former presidents and the extent of presidential authority over such matters.
The viral claims have generated confusion regarding Joe Biden’s current security arrangements and the scope of Donald Trump’s power concerning the Secret Service. An examination of the claim and the verified facts is provided below.
The Allegation: The core of the viral claim is that Donald Trump officially revoked Joe Biden’s security clearance and Secret Service protection. This action, according to the posts, was a response to Biden allegedly launching a "rant" and calling Trump a "loser." The posts further attribute a quote to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, stating that calling the sitting president a "loser" crosses a line and that Biden would be "on his own." It’s also suggested that Biden would be responsible for his own security, estimated to cost millions annually. Many social media users appear to have accepted this claim, while others questioned Trump’s authority to make such a decision.
The Reality: The claim is demonstrably false. There are no credible reports from major news organizations that Donald Trump ordered an end to Joe Biden’s lifetime Secret Service protection or that Biden called Trump a "loser." The alleged statement from Karoline Leavitt is also unsubstantiated. While it is true that Trump ended Secret Service protection for Biden’s adult children, federal law mandates lifetime protection for former presidents, and this cannot be unilaterally removed by a sitting president. Investigations into the origin of the claim reveal it stems from a Facebook parody account, "America’s Last Line Of Defense," which explicitly states in its bio that "Nothing on this page is real." A fact-check has confirmed the claim’s falsity, emphasizing that federal law dictates lifetime protection for former presidents, which cannot be overridden.
Context of Recent Criticism: The spread of this false claim follows recent public criticism from Joe Biden directed at Donald Trump. On Saturday, June 27, Biden accused Trump of using the presidency for personal enrichment, citing the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as an example of what he described as unprecedented government corruption. Speaking at the Maryland Democratic Party’s "Fight Back & Win Gala," Biden also critiqued Trump’s foreign policy and other White House projects, framing them as misguided priorities. These remarks come as Democrats aim to mobilize supporters in anticipation of the upcoming midterm elections.