President Biden surprised many with a nighttime visit to the Delaware home of Hallie Biden on Sunday, just ahead of her expected testimony in her former partner, Hunter Biden’s, federal trial for alleged gun crimes.
Biden’s visit to Hallie’s residence occurred around 8 p.m., initiating a brief private discussion eight days before Hunter’s trial, slated to commence on June 3.
Hallie, who was previously married to the president’s late son, Beau Biden, is among the anticipated witnesses in Hunter’s case.
Prosecutors accuse Hunter of providing false information regarding his drug use on gun purchase forms and temporarily possessing at least one firearm illegally.
Hallie allegedly disposed of this weapon in a public dumpster in 2018.
The White House did not disclose the purpose behind the president’s evening visit.
While some commentators highlighted the potentially awkward optics of the visit, it coincided with the upcoming anniversary of Beau’s passing, which may have factored into the timing.
Hunter, facing the prospect of prison time, is bracing for his first of two criminal trials.
In addition to the gun charges, Hunter is slated to stand trial in Los Angeles in September for purportedly evading over $1.4 million in federal taxes from 2016 to 2019.
These legal proceedings follow allegations of a Justice Department cover-up aimed at shielding the Biden family from accountability in foreign business dealings, in which Joe Biden allegedly played a recurring role.
Last June, Hunter initially agreed to a probation-only plea deal for the gun and tax offenses.
However, he renounced the agreement at a July court hearing, during which his legal team sought broad immunity for past conduct, including potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which could implicate his father.
President Biden, 81, renowned for his legal background and past professional experiences, has occasionally recounted his legal endeavors, including purported involvement in murder cases during his youth, albeit without any publicly documented instances.
