President Joe Biden expressed “boundless love” for his son Hunter as the younger Biden’s federal gun trial began Monday.
The rare public statement on the criminal case came as first lady Jill Biden also showed support for her son by appearing in the Delaware courtroom where jury selection began.
Hunter Biden is facing three charges stemming from a firearm purchase in 2018. It was during a time when Hunter, now 54, said he was struggling with drug addiction. He has denied being guilty of the charges.
The case represents the first prosecution in U.S. history of the child of a sitting president, and comes just days after Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felony charges in New York City, becoming the first former president to be convicted of misdemeanor crimes.
In a statement Monday, President Biden made it clear that he would not comment on the allegations his son faced and that he was speaking in his personal capacity as a father.
“I am the president, but I am also a father,” Joe Biden said. “Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has contributed to his recovery are inspiring to us. Many families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean.”
The statement continued: “As President, I do not comment on pending federal cases, but as a father, 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 will continue to be there with our love and support for Hunter and our family.
The first lady, flanked by Secret Service agents, arrived at the Delaware courthouse about 15 minutes after her son. Hunter Biden’s sister, Ashley Biden, was also there to support him. Hunter spent the weekend with his parents at their home in Wilmington, Delaware, where the president remained until he left later Monday for a campaign event in Connecticut.
The president has often spoken about how the tragedy has affected his family. His eldest son, Beau Biden, died of brain cancer in 2015. Joe Biden’s first wife Neilia Hunter Bidenand their 1-year-old daughter, Naomi, died in a car accident in 1972.
Hunter Biden also will plead not guilty later this year in a separate trial in California on charges that he evaded $1.4 million in taxes. Amid claims by Hunter’s lawyers that he was unfairly targeted, a plea deal that could have prevented both cases from going to trial fell apart in July.
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