In the days leading up to Hunter Biden’s trial on felony gun charges, President Joe Biden remained by his son’s side, attending events together and spending time together amidst what his allies acknowledge is a difficult moment for both men. The president’s close relationship with his son was evident as they cycled together in Delaware and attended a White House state dinner for Kenya. President Biden made little effort to distance himself from his son and planned to spend most of the day in Wilmington, where jury selection for the trial was set to begin.
Hunter Biden, 54, is facing charges of illegally purchasing and possessing a gun while abusing or being addicted to drugs. Despite pleading not guilty to the charges, Hunter Biden has been open about his struggles with addiction, including alcohol and crack cocaine. President Biden’s concern for his son’s well-being has been evident as he has remained in regular communication with him, even as his legal issues have mounted. The president has expressed his fatherly pride in his son, and his concern for his son’s well-being has surpassed any potential political fallout.
As the trial for Hunter Biden’s gun charges gets underway, President Biden will be heading overseas to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. While he is expected to remain in regular touch with his son during his trip, neither he nor the White House is expected to speak proactively about the trial. Prosecutors have lined up witnesses, including Hunter Biden’s former romantic partners, to testify about his drug use around the time he bought the gun. Their testimony could bring to life a period Hunter Biden has described as his rock bottom, during which he was struggling with addiction.
There was a time when it was believed that Hunter Biden’s legal ordeal would end with a plea deal, but hopes were dashed when the agreement fell apart and a special counsel was appointed to oversee the investigation. While some in Biden’s orbit suggest that Hunter Biden’s legal issues will not be a driving concern for voters heading into the election, few issues are more sensitive inside the Biden White House than the president’s son. Despite criticisms, Hunter Biden and his team have accused Republicans and others of using his addiction issues for political gain, emphasizing that the attacks are aimed at destroying the presidency rather than him personally.
Hunter Biden’s legal issues have been a source of concern for President Biden, who has remained committed to supporting his son throughout the trial process. The close relationship between the father and son has been evident as President Biden has made efforts to prioritize his son’s well-being over any potential political ramifications. As the trial proceeds and the investigation continues, both President Biden and Hunter Biden are faced with navigating difficult and sensitive situations while maintaining a united front amid personal and legal challenges.
