Hunter Biden, a name frequently in the headlines, is the son of the current United States President, Joe Biden. Born on January 22, 1970, Hunter Biden is currently 54 years old as of 2024. His life, marked by both immense personal tragedy and significant public scrutiny, has been a subject of intense interest and controversy, particularly in recent years. This article delves into the life of Hunter Biden, exploring his background, career, and the various challenges he has faced, providing a comprehensive overview for those seeking to understand more about the president’s son.
Early Life and Family Tragedy
Hunter Biden, pictured second from right with his family including father Joe Biden, brother Beau Biden, and mother Neilia Biden, at Joe Biden’s 30th birthday celebration, reflecting on his early life and close family bonds.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, in January 1970, Hunter Biden’s full name is Robert Hunter Biden. His mother, Neilia Hunter Biden, gave him her maiden name as his middle name. His early childhood was tragically disrupted in December 1972, just weeks after his father, Joe Biden, was elected to the US Senate. A devastating car accident claimed the lives of his mother and younger sister, Naomi. Hunter, only two at the time, and his older brother, Beau, survived but sustained serious injuries. This profound loss shaped the Biden family, and Joe Biden was sworn into the Senate at the hospital, beside his sons’ bedsides. This early experience of tragedy deeply impacted Hunter and his relationship with his family, fostering a close bond that would be tested by future challenges.
Growing up in the shadow of this early trauma, Hunter Biden pursued his education, attending Georgetown University and later Yale Law School, where he graduated in 1996. Between his undergraduate and law degrees, he dedicated time to service, joining the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, a Catholic organization focused on assisting marginalized communities. It was during this period of service that he met his first wife, Kathleen Buhle, who was also a lawyer. They married in 1993 and have three daughters: Naomi, Finnegan, and Maisy. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2017, marking a significant personal turning point in Hunter Biden’s life.
Getty Images Hunter (extreme left) looks on with his family after Joe Biden announces his first run for the presidency in 1988
Hunter Biden, seen on the extreme left with his family as his father Joe Biden announces his first presidential campaign in 1988, showcasing his long-standing presence in the public eye alongside his father’s political career.
Career and Controversies: Navigating Business and Public Life
Hunter Biden’s career has spanned various sectors, including banking, lobbying, and investment, often intertwined with his father’s prominent political career. After law school, he briefly worked at MBNA America, a major bank in Delaware with close ties to Joe Biden, who was then a senator for the state. His rapid rise to executive vice president at MBNA coincided with his father’s legislative efforts that were favorable to the banking industry, drawing early scrutiny regarding potential conflicts of interest.
In the early 2000s, Hunter Biden ventured into lobbying, establishing a practice in Washington D.C. His firm attracted clients whose interests often aligned with his father’s Senate committee assignments and legislative priorities. This further fueled concerns about the ethical implications of his business dealings in relation to his father’s public service. Hunter himself acknowledged a tacit understanding with his father to avoid discussing his lobbying work, a practice that continued as Joe Biden’s political stature grew.
Hunter Biden’s business ventures extended internationally, particularly during his father’s vice presidency. In 2013, he became a founding board member of BHR Partners, a Chinese private equity firm, initially as an unpaid member before acquiring a 10% stake. This involvement began shortly after he accompanied his father on an official trip to China, raising questions about the timing and nature of these business relationships.
Hunter Biden accompanying his father, then Vice President Joe Biden, on an official trip to China in 2013 with his daughter Finnegan Biden, highlighting his international business engagements and family presence on official duties.
His dealings in Ukraine have generated even greater controversy. In 2014, Hunter Biden joined the board of Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company, reportedly earning a substantial income. This appointment coincided with his father’s role as the Obama administration’s point person on US-Ukraine relations, including anti-corruption efforts. Critics have alleged a conflict of interest, particularly as Vice President Biden advocated for the removal of Ukraine’s then-top prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, who was at one point investigating Burisma. While allegations of direct bribery have been debunked, the optics of Hunter Biden’s position at Burisma while his father oversaw Ukraine policy have remained a persistent point of political contention.
More recently, Hunter Biden faced legal troubles, culminating in a conviction in June 2024 for illegal gun possession and making false statements on a firearm purchase form. This made him the first child of a sitting US president to be convicted of a federal crime. The charges stemmed from a 2018 incident where he purchased a handgun, allegedly while struggling with drug addiction, and falsely claimed on the application that he was not an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance. He is also facing separate tax charges, accused of failing to pay over $1.4 million in federal taxes. These legal battles have amplified public attention on Hunter Biden and his personal struggles.
Personal Struggles and Addiction: A Public Battle
Hunter Biden’s personal life has been marked by a long and public battle with addiction. While his father is known for his sobriety, Hunter began struggling with alcohol in his teenage years and later with cocaine and other substances. He has openly discussed his struggles with addiction, including multiple stints in rehab.
His substance abuse issues led to a brief and controversial stint in the US Navy Reserve in 2013. Despite being sworn in at a White House ceremony by his father, then Vice President, Hunter was discharged shortly after failing a drug test for cocaine on his first day at the naval base.
Hunter Biden walking with his then-wife Kathleen Buhle, father Joe Biden, and step-mother Jill Biden in 2009, illustrating family support amidst his personal challenges and public life.
The death of his brother, Beau Biden, from brain cancer in 2015 deeply exacerbated Hunter’s struggles. By his own admission, he turned further to alcohol and drugs to cope with the grief. His first marriage to Kathleen Buhle dissolved amidst these personal challenges, with public accusations of extravagant spending on drugs, alcohol, and related activities.
In his 2021 memoir, “Beautiful Things,” Hunter Biden provided a candid account of his battles with addiction, his relationships, and the impact of his personal struggles on his family and career. He has described painting as a form of therapy, a way to manage his addiction and find solace. However, even this pursuit has drawn scrutiny due to the high value placed on his artwork, raising ethical questions about potential influence and access.
Despite the controversies and legal issues, Hunter Biden maintains a close relationship with his father and family. President Biden has consistently expressed love and support for his son, both publicly and privately. The president has acknowledged the pain and difficulties Hunter has faced while also expressing pride in his resilience and efforts toward recovery.
Hunter Biden’s Age in the Context of Current Events
At 54 years old, Hunter Biden’s life story is a complex narrative of personal triumphs and tribulations set against the backdrop of American political life. His age places him firmly in middle age, yet his experiences encompass a lifetime of dramatic events, from childhood tragedy to professional highs and lows, and significant personal battles fought in the public eye.
His current age is particularly relevant as he navigates ongoing legal challenges and continued public scrutiny. The recent conviction and pending tax charges mean that Hunter Biden, at 54, is still facing significant legal and personal hurdles. These challenges also cast a shadow over his father’s presidency, adding to the political complexities surrounding the Biden administration.
Hunter Biden and his wife Melissa Cohen Biden arriving at a Delaware courtroom, capturing the ongoing legal battles and public attention surrounding Hunter Biden in his current age.
In conclusion, Hunter Biden, 54 years old, has lived a life marked by both privilege and profound adversity. From the early trauma of losing his mother and sister, through a career shadowed by ethical questions and personal battles with addiction, to his current legal challenges, his story is one of ongoing struggle and resilience. Understanding how old Hunter Biden is provides a crucial anchor point for comprehending his life’s trajectory and the context of the controversies and challenges he faces today. His journey remains a subject of intense public and political interest as he continues to navigate the complexities of his personal and public life.
