President Joe Biden delivered a speech on gun control just hours after his son, Hunter Biden, was convicted on three federal firearms charges. The timing of the president's remarks at the Everytown for Gun Safety's annual training conference in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday was not lost on critics, who took to social media to highlight the awkward juxtaposition.
Biden's speech, which focused on his administration's efforts to combat gun violence and his support for an assault weapons ban, came mere hours after Hunter Biden was found guilty of making false statements in the purchase of a firearm, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.
"Joe Biden giving a gun safety speech on the same day that his son was convicted of gun charges is the most Biden thing ever," remarked RedState columnist Buzz Patterson on social media. Conservative commentator Kate Hyde also noted the irony, writing, "Of all the days for Joe Biden to be speaking at 'Gun Sense University.'"
The president's speech did not address Hunter Biden's conviction, but the juxtaposition of the two events drew sharp criticism. "Biden is currently speaking on restricting our Second Amendment rights after his son is convicted on gun charges. Oh, the irony," summarized Michigan Rep. Lisa McClain.
In response to the verdict, President Biden issued a statement earlier in the day, emphasizing his dual role as a father and a president. "As I said last week, 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," Biden said. "So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery. I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal."
Hunter Biden's legal troubles have been a source of significant emotional strain for the president. According to a report by Politico, President Biden has privately expressed that his re-election campaign has intensified scrutiny on his family, suggesting that Hunter might have secured a plea deal if not for his father's political ambitions. "If I weren't running for re-election, he would have gotten the plea deal," Biden reportedly told a confidant.
The conviction marks a dramatic chapter in the ongoing saga of Hunter Biden's legal issues, which have cast a shadow over his father's presidency. Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison, though he is not expected to receive the maximum sentence. The case has also become a flashpoint for partisan debate, with Republicans using the verdict to argue that the justice system is biased in favor of the Biden family.
"The Republicans are attacking our entire system of justice and the rule of law because they don't like the way one case came out," noted Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., highlighting the stark contrast between the reactions of the two political parties to recent high-profile convictions.
The president's speech at the gun control event was part of a broader effort to address gun violence in the United States, a key issue for his administration. However, the timing of Hunter Biden's conviction inevitably diverted attention and provided fodder for critics who argue that the Biden family receives preferential treatment.
Despite the legal challenges and personal tribulations, Hunter Biden expressed gratitude for his family's support in a statement following the verdict. "I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome. Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time," he said.
