Biden defends son Hunter ahead of potential federal tax, gun charges
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has defended his son Hunter as federal prosecutors are reportedly set to make a decision on whether to charge the president’s son with tax and firearms offenses after a criminal investigation of four years.
“First of all, my son has done nothing wrong,” Biden said in an interview with “The 11th Hour on MSNBC” host Stephanie Ruhle. “I trust him. I trust him.”
Asked about the impact of the charges against his son on his presidency, Biden said he supports Hunter.
“It impacts my presidency by making me proud of him,” the president said.
Federal prosecutors are weighing whether to charge Hunter Biden with two misdemeanor counts of failing to file taxes, a single count of tax evasion related to a business expense for a year of taxes, and the gun charge, also a potential felony. Hunter Biden said he has since reconciled the outstanding tax returns.
The White House has dismissed claims by an IRS special agent seeking to protect whistleblowers in the handling of the case. Aides insist that Biden has not been implicated and that the president is keeping his promise not to politicize the Justice Department.
But any result could draw significant national attention to Biden and his family as the president embarks on a re-election campaign.
Hunter denied any wrongdoing in the tax case, saying he handled his affairs “lawfully and properly”.
The investigation has caught the attention of Republicans on Capitol Hill and former President Donald Trump, a top contender for the 2024 GOP nomination, who have sought to link Biden to his son’s business dealings with foreign governments.
The Justice Department’s expected decision comes after a four-year investigation.