How Hunter Biden's historic federal gun trial could impact upcoming presidential election

WILMINGTON, DELAWARE: In an unprecedented situation, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, faces trial just five months before the upcoming election.

As his father seeks reelection, the case has added a new dimension to an already contentious political landscape. This marks the first time a sitting president's child has stood trial, and the timing could not be more critical.

Republican attacks and election ramifications

For years, Republicans have targeted Hunter Biden, alleging that his foreign business dealings implicate his father in corruption, despite those dealings not being the focus of this trial. The case against Hunter Biden centers on charges unrelated to his business affairs but concerns his alleged illegal possession of a firearm.

With the first presidential debate of the election cycle just weeks away, some Democrats are concerned that Hunter Biden's trial could serve as a significant distraction for President Biden. Meanwhile, the latter continues to tout his record, hoping to keep the focus on his administration's achievements, The Hill reported.

Prosecutors assert that in 2018, Hunter Biden unlawfully bought and possessed a firearm by falsely declaring on a federal form that he was not a drug user, despite his addiction to cocaine at the time.

Hunter Biden, who has been candid about his struggles with addiction, has pleaded not guilty to the three felony counts. His attorneys argue that he did not perceive himself as having a drug problem when he filled out the form.

First Lady Jill Biden has been a constant presence at the Delaware courthouse since the trial began, supporting her son while maintaining a respectful distance from the legal proceedings. President Biden has expressed his support for Hunter, stating, “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.”

Donald Trump and Joe Biden's legal troubles

The trial has provided ample fodder for Trump’s allies, who are eager to shift attention away from the former president’s legal issues. Last week, Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in New York, marking a historic first for a former president.

Despite his legal troubles, Trump remains a viable candidate for the White House and has used his conviction to galvanize support, claiming systemic bias against him.

Trump's supporters have pointed to Hunter Biden’s trial as evidence to counter the narrative of a biased Justice Department.

Hunter Biden also faces federal tax charges in another case scheduled to begin in California this September, just days before the second presidential debate between Trump and Biden.

These charges stem from a yearslong investigation into his business dealings. Initially, both cases were set to be resolved through a plea deal last July, which included misdemeanor offenses for the tax crimes and a diversion agreement for the gun charge.

However, Judge Maryellen Noreika, a Trump appointee, raised concerns about the deal, leading to its collapse. In August, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed the top investigator as a special counsel, and Hunter Biden was indicted a month later.

If convicted on the gun charges, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison. However, first-time offenders rarely receive the maximum sentence, and it remains uncertain whether he would serve any time behind bars.

Bidens trolled on social media

That said, the Bidens were widely mocked on social media amid concerns that Hunter's ongoing trial could hurt his father's re-election campaign.

"It won't affect the outcome of the Presidential election. Hunter Biden is facing real felonies and is captured on videotape. Let's see how the jury rules on this one," one posted on X.

"If he gets a not guilty verdict when there is evidence of his guilt, that may just be the straw that breaks the camel's back," another offered.

"This is not a historical event. This is the trial of a person alleged to have purchased a gun illegally. They just happen to be the son of a president. The historical event status is just media hype," someone else commented.

"I believe this has been scripted. He will be convicted to show 'no one is above the law' and then he will be pardoned after November by his father who 'cannot bear to lose another son,'" another predicted.

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