President Joe Biden has spoken out following his son Hunter Biden’s felony conviction on Tuesday, June 11. The president, 81, quickly responded to the verdict in a statement, expressing love and pride for his son’s recovery from addiction while also respecting the judicial process.
Hunter, 54, was found guilty of three federal charges in Wilmington, Del., following a weeklong trial centered around his illegal obtainment and brief possession of a firearm while addicted to a controlled substance. His sentencing is expected in mid-October.
A Father’s Love and Support
“As I said last week, 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. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery,” President Biden stated.
“As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that.”
The Charges and Hunter’s Past Struggles
Hunter was hit with a three-count indictment in September and pleaded not guilty the following month. The first two counts accused him of lying to a gun seller and answering dishonestly on forms while obtaining a revolver in October 2018. The third count accused him of illegally possessing the gun for 11 days while he was an active drug user.
Hunter has been candid about his struggles with addiction in the past, and details his sobriety journey in his 2021 memoir, Beautiful Things.
The Trial and Family Support
Hunter’s trial began on Monday, June 3. Throughout the courtroom proceedings, several family members sat in the room in support, including first lady Jill Biden and Hunter’s younger half-sister, Ashley Biden. Hunter’s eldest daughter, Naomi Biden, also appeared on the witness stand on Friday, June 7, to give an emotional testimony in her father’s defense.
As the trial began, President Biden — who did not attend hearings — shared a rare statement about the case, where he expressed “boundless love” for his only surviving son.
Potential Consequences and Future Charges
Hunter faces up to 25 years in prison as a result of the conviction, though he is likely to receive a lesser sentence as a first-time offender, and could avoid jail time altogether. He also faces up to $750,000 in fines. Hunter will soon answer to nine additional federal charges related to alleged tax evasion, which could result in a 17-year prison sentence if he’s convicted. A trial for the tax case is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles in September.
Respecting the Judicial Process
President Biden has vowed to respect the outcome of his son’s trial, and said he will not consider using his executive powers to pardon his son.