Hunter Biden joins dad Joe for Oval Office speech, trolls say he’s wondering if ‘daddy will pardon him’
![Hunter Biden joins dad Joe for Oval Office speech, trolls say he’s wondering if ‘daddy will pardon him’](https://dxltb3n5j8l6j.cloudfront.net/707161/uploads/97957040-4a5a-11ef-a64d-ab8f9a332199_1200_630.jpeg)
WASHINGTON, DC: On the night of July 24, President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office, accompanied by his embattled son Hunter Biden, and his granddaughter, Finnegan Biden, who remained just out of the camera's frame.
It was a poignant moment following the president's recent decision to suspend his reelection campaign after facing increasing pressure from key Democratic allies.
The president, at 81 years old, officially announced the suspension of his reelection campaign following three weeks of mounting pressure. The pressure began to escalate after Biden's lackluster performance in a debate against former President Donald Trump on June 27.
During the debate, Biden appeared confused and struggled with his responses, raising concerns about his ability to effectively campaign and govern.
Hunter Biden's involvement and influence in dad Joe's life
Hunter Biden, 54, who is currently facing sentencing over a gun charge, has reportedly been a crucial figure in his father's campaign decisions. Reports indicate that Hunter, along with First Lady Jill Biden, was advising President Biden to continue his campaign efforts despite the setbacks.
Seated next to Hunter during the Oval Office address was his daughter, Finnegan Biden, aged 23. Also present were the First Lady, Ashley Biden, and her husband, Howard Krein.
![WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 24: Hunter Biden (2nd-R), accompanied by his daughter Finnegan Biden (R), listens to his father, U.S. President Joe Biden (L), delivering a speech during an address to the nation about his decision not to seek reelection in the Oval Office at the White House on July 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden abandoned his campaign for a second term after weeks of pressure from fellow Democrats to withdraw and just months ahead of the November election, throwing his support behind Harris. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)](http://d2r3ijz46v2k0u.cloudfront.net/368d617c-e50f-4ee7-9f47-e074d52912bc.jpg)
Hunter's involvement has extended beyond mere advisory roles. The New York Times reported in late June that he had been staying with his father at Camp David, believing that President Biden had the stamina to continue campaigning.
Hunter's presence in meetings at the White House began just a week after the debate, causing confusion among staff. One White House source told NBC, "What the hell is happening?" in response to Hunter's sudden involvement.
Sources revealed that President Biden seemed to rely heavily on Hunter, who was dubbed his father's "gatekeeper." Hunter's influence extended to meetings and phone calls, where he played a pivotal role. Despite this, the White House has maintained that President Biden will not pardon Hunter before leaving office.
However, some sources have speculated to the New York Post that the president may indeed pardon his son.
Some Republicans also voiced skepticism about the president's assurances. Texas GOP Senator Ted Cruz stated on his podcast, "Verdict with Ted Cruz," "I'm going to place the odds that Joe Biden pardons Hunter Biden at 100 per cent. Hunter Biden will get a pardon as a result of this decision."
Wednesday night's Oval Office address was the first live speech President Biden delivered since suspending his reelection bid. This address followed his diagnosis with Covid-19, during which he had been staying in Delaware. Despite being cleared of the virus, Biden spoke with a raspy voice.
Hunter Biden was spotted at Reagan National Airport just outside Washington, DC. When asked about his father's health, he briefly responded, "Great," and when questioned about his father's decision to step down from the race, Hunter simply said, "It's all good, man."
Following the suspension of his father's campaign, Hunter Biden sent out a heartfelt message for his father. He stated, "For my entire life, I’ve looked at my dad in awe. How could he suffer so much heartache and yet give so much of whatever remained of his heart to others? Not only in the policies he passed, but in the individual lives he’s touched."
He added, "Over a lifetime I have witnessed him absorb the pain of countless everyday Americans who he’s given his personal phone number to, because he wanted them to call him when they were hurting. When their last hopes were slipping through their hands."
Hunter Biden trolled on social media
However, critics were quick to mock Hunter's presence during his father's address.
"Hunter Biden now wondering if daddy will pardon him before he leaves," one posted on X.
"Hunter is trying to make sure his paychecks keep coming for the next 6 months," another quipped.
"Hunter watching the golden goose fade away," a third remarked.
"Hunter looks sad. He knows the money is going to dry up," someone else offered.
"He’s probably wondering if he needs to find a new gig now !" read a comment.
"He better start painting," another joked.
Hunter is trying to make sure his paychecks keep coming for the next 6 months
— Paul Faulk (@pnfaulk) July 25, 2024
Hunter looks sad. He knows the money is going to dry up.
— north dweller (@2riverlakes) July 25, 2024
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