Hunter Biden to be first child of sitting US President to be tried for crimes

He has tried to avoid cases to spare his father who is preparing to run against recently convicted Trump

- 

Just days after a historic guilty verdict against Donald Trump, Hunter Biden is set to become the first child of a sitting US president to be tried for crimes – two events that may inject fresh uncertainty into the 2024 White House race.

Jury selection begins on June 3 in the first of two cases Biden has tried to avoid for years, and stay out of prison and spare his father, President Joe Biden, political and personal turmoil as he runs for a second term most likely against Trump. 

The trial in Wilmington, Delaware, on three federal gun violations is expected to plumb the depths of the younger Biden’s drug use. During that period, prosecutors allege he lied about his substance abuse on a federal form to illegally purchase a firearm. 

Special Counsel David Weiss has indicated he plans to raise painful events related to Hunter Biden’s conduct and events that involve the President.

Still, White House officials largely view the trial as a private matter for Hunter Biden tied to his personal behaviour from years ago. The President, who is expected to travel to France during part of the trial, will be monitoring it primarily as a parent who has supported his son’s recovery from addiction, according to a person familiar with his thinking.