President Joe Biden’s Son Hunter Convicted of Lying About Drug Use on Gun Purchase Application
Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has been convicted on charges of lying about his drug use on a gun purchase application, marking a historic moment as the first child of a sitting U.S. president to be found guilty of a crime.
The jury in the Delaware federal court unanimously found Hunter Biden guilty on three counts, leading to a potential prison sentence just months before the November 2024 presidential election.
Hunter Biden, 54, was convicted of making false statements to a federally licensed gun dealer in 2018. He had falsely denied his drug use on the application form required to purchase a firearm. The sentencing guidelines for these charges suggest a prison term of 15 to 21 months.
However, legal experts indicate that first-time offenders in similar cases often receive lighter sentences if they adhere to the terms of their pretrial release.
The prosecution, led by U.S. Department of Justice Special Counsel David Weiss- a Trump appointee-presented compelling evidence including text messages, photographs, and financial records that highlighted Hunter Biden’s severe addiction at the time of the offense.
Testimonies from his ex-wife, former girlfriend, and sister-in-law further depicted his deteriorating condition.
This conviction is a significant personal blow to President Joe Biden, who has stood by his son throughout his legal ordeals. The Biden family has endured substantial personal tragedies, including the deaths of Joe Biden’s first wife and infant daughter in a car accident, and his son Beau to brain cancer.
Hunter Biden’s public battle with addiction has been another chapter in this saga, and his conviction adds to the family’s trials.
Politically, the conviction may not dramatically alter the electorate’s views as the focus remains on Joe Biden’s performance as president.
Analysts suggest that there is little evidence to connect President Biden directly to his son’s offenses, and voter behavior is unlikely to be significantly influenced by Hunter Biden’s legal issues. However, the trial has undoubtedly been a distraction during Joe Biden’s re-election campaign.
In a recent interview with ABC News’ David Muir, conducted during the 80th anniversary of D-Day commemorations in Normandy, President Biden stated unequivocally that he would not pardon his son and would respect the jury’s decision.
This stance contrasts with former President Trump’s reaction to his legal troubles, where Trump has claimed political motivations behind his convictions. Joe Biden’s commitment to the legal process reinforces his message of upholding the rule of law.
Beyond the gun charges, Hunter Biden faces additional legal battles, including charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019. This separate trial is set for September 5 in California.
These allegations involve significant financial impropriety and may pose a more serious political threat by drawing attention to issues of tax fraud and financial misconduct, which could be less forgivable in the eyes of the public.
The timing of the sentencing for the gun charges, expected within 120 days, places it just weeks before the November election. While Hunter Biden’s legal issues are deeply personal for the Biden family, they also serve as political ammunition for opponents aiming to discredit Joe Biden’s re-election bid.