Joe Biden releases rare statement on son Hunter’s legal problems as historic gun trial begins: ‘I am the President, but I am also a dad’
President Joe Biden released a rare statement on Monday about his son’s legal troubles Hunter BidenThe historic gun 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 with Hunter on Monday – returned to their Wilmington, Delaware home one night early from their Rehoboth Beach escape.
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.”
President Joe Biden (right) and first lady Jill Biden (left) arrived in Wilmington, Delaware, early Sunday evening ahead of son Hunter’s first day in court. The president sent a rare statement Monday addressing Hunter’s legal troubles
Hunter Biden (left) holds the hand of his wife Melissa Cohen (right) as he walks into court on Monday on the opening day of his trial on criminal weapons charges in Wilmington, Delaware
Hunter wrote in his 2021 memoir Beautiful things his addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine and credited his second wife Melissa Cohen for 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 our support.”
Hunter’s addiction spiraled out of control after the death of his brother Beau Biden in 2015 from brain cancer.
Dr. Jill Biden (center) walks into court with an aide and Naomi Biden’s husband Peter Neal (right) to show support for Hunter Biden
First daughter Ashley Biden also appeared at the Wilmington, Delaware courthouse on Monday to support her brother Hunter as jury selection got underway
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 porn star Stormy Daniels.
