Hunter Biden, the son of former US President Joe Biden, has opened up about the controversial presidential pardon he received in. In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Newsnight, he discussed the complexities of the pardon, his battles with addiction, and his father’s health struggles.
The pardon, which covered federal offenses committed between 2014 and 2026, including a federal gun conviction and a tax case, has been a subject of intense scrutiny. Hunter Biden acknowledged the criticism but emphasized his gratitude towards his father.
Defending the Pardon
Hunter Biden admitted that the pardon was not good for the American people, the constitution, or his father’s legacy. However, he argued that his father acted out of concern for his safety under an incoming administration led by Donald Trump.
“I was the only one in the world that could have gotten what I got from the only person in the world who could give it, my father,” he stated. Hunter Biden insisted that he and his father had never discussed the possibility of a pardon before it was granted, emphasizing the sensitivity of such discussions.
The former president had repeatedly stated that he would not use the powers of the presidency to intervene in his son’s legal cases. However, in announcing the decision, Joe Biden said his son had been selectively and unfairly prosecuted.
Personal Struggles and Addiction
Hunter Biden delved into his past struggles with addiction, describing a period where he consumed almost a gallon of vodka a day and smoked crack cocaine almost every 15 minutes. “It was hell on earth,” he said, emphasizing that there was nothing glamorous about his addiction.
He rejected the suggestion that he felt untouchable because he was the son of a president, stating that his addiction was a way to escape feelings of anxiety and isolation. “I wasn’t reaching for anything except oblivion,” he revealed. The drugs and alcohol initially felt like a solution before becoming the thing that almost killed me.
Family and Health
Hunter Biden became emotional when discussing his father’s health. He revealed that the former president’s cancer had spread, metastasizing into his bones and causing significant pain. “Cancer is really hard,” he said, stopping to clear his throat. “It’s really sad to watch.”
He praised his father’s resilience, describing him as the best father, husband, and grandfather. Hunter Biden also reflected on the presidential debate in that ultimately ended his father’s re-election campaign. He sensed something was wrong immediately and was shocked by the performance.
Hunter Biden ruled out any interest in seeking elected office, stating that he wanted to devote his time to speaking about addiction and recovery. He described this cause as something capable of bridging America’s political divides.
