As Hunter Biden’s trial in Delaware continues over claims that he lied on a firearms permit application, first lady Jill Biden has shown her support while juggling her professional duties.
Almost every day this week, Jill Biden was in court, observing the proceedings alongside other family members and becoming distraught as prosecutors brought up details of Hunter Biden’s drug problems, strained relationships, and other dark aspects of his background.
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The first lady’s commitment to attending the trial was evident when she flew back late Thursday from France, where she had accompanied President Joe Biden to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, to attend Friday’s court hearings before returning overseas to attend a state dinner hosted by the French prime minister on Saturday.
President Biden has not attended his son’s trial. Biden said in a statement on Monday, as jury selection was ongoing, that he would not comment on the case but expressed “boundless love” for his son.
“I am the president, but I am also a father. Jill and I adore our son and are extremely proud of the man he has become,” the president added in the statement. “Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us.”
Special counsel David Weiss indicted Hunter Biden in September on two counts of making false statements while purchasing the handgun and a third count of illegally obtaining a firearm while addicted to drugs. Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty and denied the charges.
Last summer, a plea arrangement with the federal authorities fell apart at the last minute, prompting the indictment. The indictment marked the first criminal prosecution of a sitting president’s child.
Hunter Biden’s legal difficulties have brought the first family to the attention of its critics, particularly Republicans on Capitol Hill and former President Trump.
Jill Biden appeared to be unaffected by the jeers, as she has appeared in court almost every day since the proceedings began.
The first lady entered the courtroom with her security detail, which sometimes disrupted foot traffic at the federal courts because the first family needs protection.
Before taking her front-row seat, Hunter Biden embraced his stepmother. Jill Biden frequently sat close to her daughter Ashley Biden, Hunter’s half-sister; Valerie Biden, the president’s sister; and Melissa Cohen, Hunter Biden’s wife.
During the first week of hearings, the first lady remained attentive and leaned in toward the screen, which displayed exhibits of video, pictures, and text message data obtained by the government.
She was noticeably distraught on Tuesday because some of the exhibits included audio extracts from Hunter’s book, which featured him reading in graphic detail about his crack cocaine and alcohol addictions.
Hunter Biden has spoken openly about his addictions and the impact they had on his entire family, especially his parents. In his 2018 memoir, he revealed how then-Vice President Biden saved his life while he was on a binge and encouraged him to enter treatment.
Jill and Ashley Biden sat shoulder to shoulder while the clips played out, occasionally leaning their heads against each other. As Hunter Biden described a boisterous 12-day bender in Los Angeles, Jill Biden lifted her left arm and wrapped it around her daughter’s shoulders.
A source sitting with the family told ABC News that they were both “fighting off tears.”
On Friday, Jill and Hunter Biden entered the courtroom arm in arm as Naomi Biden, Hunter Biden’s daughter, took the stand for the defense. While she testified, her husband, Peter Neal, sat in the gallery beside the First Lady.
It’s uncertain whether Hunter Biden will testify in his own defense when the trial starts next week.
The two counts of making false statements carry terms of up to ten years and five years, respectively, while the possession charge brings a maximum sentence of ten years.
On Thursday, President Biden told “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir that he would accept the results of his son’s trial but would not consider pardoning him.
