Joe Biden issues rare statement on son Hunter’s legal troubles
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President Joe Biden released a rare statement Monday about his son’s legal troubles as Hunter Biden’s historic weapons trial began in Wilmington. “I’m the president, but I’m also a father,” Biden said. “Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today.”
The president and first lady — who appeared in court alongside Hunter on Monday — returned to their home in Wilmington, Delaware, a night earlier after their Rehoboth Beach getaway. Jury selection began Monday morning in the case, as Hunter is accused of lying about his sobriety on a form to purchase a gun, a federal crime.
“Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has contributed to his recovery are inspiring to us,” the president continued. “Many families have had a loved one who has overcome addiction and knows what we mean.” Hunter chronicled his addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine in his 2021 memoir Beautiful Things and credited his second wife Melissa Cohen with helping him get sober. Melissa walked into the courtroom Monday morning hand in hand with Hunter.
Sister Ashley was also in attendance, as was Naomi Biden’s husband Peter Neal. The president remained in Wilmington — and will fly to Connecticut later Monday for a fundraiser — but did not appear at the courthouse with other family members. “As president, I do not comment on pending federal cases, but as a father, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him and respect for his strength,” Biden continued.
“Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I will continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our lives and support.” Hunter’s addiction spiraled out of control after the death of his brother Beau Biden in 2015 from brain cancer.
He bought a gun in 2018 during a period of heavy drug use – which he wrote about in Beautiful Things. The younger Biden is accused of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application used to screen firearm applicants while saying he was not a drug user and had owned the gun illegally for 11 days had in his possession.
Hunter has pleaded not guilty. He said he is being unfairly targeted by the Justice Department after Republicans complained about a “cute” plea deal the first son entered into — a deal that collapsed last summer.
Hunter was indicted on weapons charges in September. The case immediately follows the dramatic conclusion of former President Donald Trump’s hush money case.
The former president was indicted Thursday on all 34 felony counts of falsifying company records to conceal payments to Stormy Daniels.
