Biden vows to ‘be there’ for his son Hunter, but won’t comment on gun trial

President Biden on Monday voiced support for his son Hunter Biden but said he would not comment on his federal trial as it got underway in Delaware.

“I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today,” the president said in a statement.

“Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us,” President Biden continued. “A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean. As the President, I don’t and won’t comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength.

“Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support,” he added.

The president’s statement underscored the delicate balancing act he is trying to achieve, remaining impartial on a legal matter involving the Justice Department while being supportive of his son amid a turbulent time for the family.

Hunter Biden, 54, is facing charges for lying on a federal form when he bought a gun in 2018. He wrote on the form that he was not a drug user, despite being addicted to cocaine at the time.

Hunter Biden has been open about his issues with addiction, detailing his struggles in his 2021 memoir.

First lady Jill Biden arrived Monday morning to attend the opening day of the trial as jury selection begins. Hunter Biden’s sister, Ashley Biden, was also in attendance. The president is not expected to attend but is in Wilmington, Del., until late Monday afternoon, according to his schedule.

The president and the first lady spent Sunday night in Wilmington, where Hunter Biden’s trial is taking place. The Bidens have a residence in Wilmington and frequently travel there on the weekends. Hunter Biden was spotted at the White House last Friday and traveled with the family to Delaware ahead of his trial.

Republicans have repeatedly used Hunter Biden as a target for political attacks, attempting to tie his business dealings directly to President Biden to paint the entire family as corrupt. But those efforts have failed to turn up substantive evidence of wrongdoing, derailing an impeachment inquiry in the House over the past year.