In a surprising turn of events, Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, was noticeably absent from Wednesday’s state dinner for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This exclusion comes after Hunter has faced significant backlash for attending previous state dinners while under investigation for his international business dealings. The guest list released by the White House did not include Hunter’s name, although other family members were invited.
Hunter Biden has been the subject of a lengthy federal investigation into his business dealings and tax affairs, which is still ongoing. Despite this, he attended two state dinners in the past, including one for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and another for French President Emmanuel Macron. These appearances raised eyebrows and drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
The controversy surrounding Hunter’s attendance at the state dinner on June 22 intensified when news broke that he had struck a plea deal with federal prosecutors. The deal included misdemeanor tax crimes and a diversion agreement on a felony gun charge. However, the deal later fell apart, adding further fuel to the fire.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, who has faced scrutiny over the handling of the investigation into Hunter Biden, also attended the state dinner honoring Modi. This raised questions about the Justice Department’s impartiality and raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
While some defended Hunter’s presence at the state dinner, arguing that it was a separate issue from his legal troubles, others criticized his decision to attend. Co-hosts of ABC’s “The View” engaged in a heated discussion about the matter, with one host stating that Hunter shouldn’t have gone to the dinner after agreeing to plead guilty to tax misdemeanors.
Hunter Biden currently faces multiple charges in federal court, including making false statements related to the purchase of a firearm and possession of a firearm while being an unlawful user of controlled substances. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 25 years in prison and significant fines.
Digital has reached out to the White House for comment on Hunter Biden’s exclusion from the state dinner but has not received a response at the time of writing.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Hunter Biden’s attendance at state dinners amidst his ongoing legal issues raises questions about ethics, accountability, and the potential influence of family connections in politics. As the investigation into his business dealings continues, the public remains divided on whether his actions were appropriate or if they warrant further scrutiny. The exclusion of Hunter Biden from the state dinner serves as a reminder of the ongoing controversies surrounding the Biden family and their connections to the political sphere.
