Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted of federal charges in Delaware. The charges stem from allegations that he lied about his drug use on application forms when purchasing a handgun in 2018.
This high-profile trial marks the first time a child of a sitting president has become a criminal defendant. Prosecutors allege that Hunter Biden, 54, made false statements on a form when buying a revolver, claiming he was not an unlawful user of drugs.
The trial is expected to delve into graphic details of Mr. Biden’s crack cocaine addiction, potentially providing ammunition for the president’s political opponents. Despite the ongoing trial, President Biden has expressed “boundless love” and “confidence” in his son’s recovery and resilience.
The evidence against Hunter Biden includes personal text messages and communications made during his addiction, as well as testimonies from witnesses, including his ex-wife and ex-partner. Prosecutors also plan to use Mr. Biden’s own memoir, where he detailed his struggles with addiction.
If convicted, Hunter Biden could face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. The trial is also expected to feature evidence from Mr. Biden’s infamous laptop, which has been the subject of intense media speculation and conspiracy theories.
In addition to the charges in Delaware, Hunter Biden is also facing separate federal charges in California related to tax evasion. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for both him and his father as President Biden seeks re-election.
