Hunter Biden on trial in case that Republicans plan to use as a political weapon

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the upcoming trial of Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, on gun charges. The trial could prove to be an embarrassment for the Biden family and a political weapon for Republicans.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Hunter Biden's Upcoming Trial

1. What are the charges against Hunter Biden?

• Hunter Biden is facing gun charges stemming from his application for a firearms license in which he denied being a user of narcotics.
• He could face a hefty jail sentence, but it is widely seen as highly unlikely.

2. What is the background behind these charges?

• Hunter Biden has long struggled with addiction issues and a troubled private life.
• He has acknowledged struggling with an addiction to crack cocaine in 2018, but his lawyers have said he didn't break the law.
• His memoir "Beautiful Things" describes how he became consumed by drugs and alcohol after the death of his brother Beau in 2015.

3. How are the prosecutors planning to use Hunter Biden's memoir against him?

• Prosecutors intend to use Hunter Biden's memoir to make the case that he knew he was addicted to drugs when he denied it on the form to buy a gun.

4. What is the status of the case?

• A plea deal aimed at avoiding a trial collapsed last year, though it is possible some form of pact could still be revived as the trial starts.
• The trial is expected to last a week or so.

[02] Political Implications

1. How are Republicans expected to use Hunter Biden's trial?

• Republicans will use Hunter Biden's trial, as well as another more serious one over tax issues set for September, as a weapon to attack Joe Biden.
• This is seen as a way for Republicans to distract from the legal troubles of former President Donald Trump, who was recently found guilty of falsifying business records.

2. How has Joe Biden responded to the situation with his son?

• Joe Biden, in keeping with his reputation as a close family man, has stuck by Hunter Biden through all his troubles and that is unlikely to change during the trial.

3. What other potential embarrassments could the trial bring?

• The trial could air potentially embarrassing family details, as prosecutors may call Hunter Biden's ex-wife and the widow of his late brother Beau to the stand.