Hunter Biden fled to ‘ultra-luxurious’ vacation with Secret Service protection — avoiding grueling deposition

Hunter Biden’s Luxury Vacation and Legal Controversies

Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has once again found himself in the spotlight, this time for a luxury vacation in South Africa while avoiding a deposition in a California lawsuit. The younger Biden fled to Cape Town, where he stayed in a $500-per-night beachfront villa, complete with round-the-clock Secret Service protection. This trip came just days before a California District Court judge dismissed the case he had filed against former Trump staffer Garrett Ziegler and his nonprofit organization, Marco Polo. The court’s decision was based on Hunter’s claim that he could no longer afford to pursue the lawsuit, despite his lavish lifestyle and the costs associated with his protection.

A Case of Avoidance and Luxury

Hunter’s decision to leave the country while the legal matter was still pending has raised eyebrows. His lawyers argued that he was financially incapable of continuing the lawsuit, citing the poor sales of his paintings and damage to his home from wildfires in Los Angeles. However, photographs obtained by The Post show Hunter and his wife, Melissa Cohen, enjoying a stroll in one of Cape Town’s upscale shopping districts, accompanied by their Secret Service detail. These images suggest that Hunter’s financial situation may not be as dire as he claimed. Ziegler’s legal team has since accused Hunter of using his vacation as a means to avoid his scheduled deposition, which was set to take place this week.

Legal Battles and Financial Implications

The lawsuit in question centers around Marco Polo’s digital distribution of the contents of Hunter’s infamous “laptop from hell,” which has been a source of controversy for the Biden family. Hunter initially sued Ziegler and Marco Polo, but his legal team withdrew the case, leading Judge Herman Vera to grant the motion to dismiss. Ziegler’s lawyers have now filed a motion seeking $200,000 in legal costs, arguing that Hunter’s actions have unnecessarily prolonged the case. The inclusion of the photos from Cape Town in their filing is likely intended to challenge the credibility of Hunter’s financial claims and suggest that he is not taking the legal process seriously.

Secret Service Protection and Taxpayer Costs

One of the most contentious aspects of this situation is the Secret Service protection provided to Hunter during his vacation. According to the Former Presidents Protection Act, only children of former presidents under the age of 16 are entitled to such protection. Hunter, at 55, does not qualify under this law. However, sources from the Trump administration claim that President Biden issued an executive memorandum before leaving office, extending Secret Service protection to his son indefinitely. This special dispensation has sparked outrage, with critics pointing out the significant cost to taxpayers. Local sources in Cape Town estimate that Hunter is traveling with 18 Secret Service agents, who are staying in a nearby four-star hotel and incurring per-diem expenses for meals and car rentals. The total cost for this protection could reach as high as $500,000, at a time when the Secret Service is already stretched thin.

Political Backlash and Double Standards

The controversy surrounding Hunter’s Secret Service protection has drawn comparisons to similar actions taken by former President Donald Trump. In 2021, Trump extended protection to his four adult children for six months after leaving office, a decision that was heavily criticized by Democrats and the media. The estimated cost of that protection was $1.7 million, leading to accusations of Abuse of taxpayer funds. Now, with Hunter’s situation, critics are calling for consistency in how such protections are applied. Ziegler has argued that Hunter’s protection should be revoked, claiming that he was dishonest with the court about his financial situation and his reasons for avoiding the deposition.

The Broader Implications

This episode underscores a broader debate about the use of taxpayer funds for the protection of public figures and their families. While the Secret Service is mandated to provide security for individuals deemed to be at risk, the extension of such protections to adult children raises questions about fairness, transparency, and accountability. Hunter’s case has also highlighted the challenges of balancing legal proceedings with personal privilege, particularly when high-profile individuals are involved. As this situation continues to unfold, it is likely to remain a focal point in discussions about government accountability and the perception of double standards in the treatment of political elites.