Hunter Biden Tagging Along with Dear Old Dad in Ireland: The embattled son of Joe Biden is traveling with the president, even though the younger Biden is being investigated for his business practices that could involve his father.
Hunter Biden appeared with the president in Ireland this week. Hunter’s father even had his son stand and be saluted at an event in Dundalk, Ireland. The Bidens are descended from Ireland and the trip has been a homecoming for the family.
Hunter Is Along for the Ride to Ireland
“I’m here with my sister Valerie and my younger son, Hunter Biden. Stand up guys, I’m proud of you,” the president said.
Hunter spent time with his father at Camp David over the Easter holiday. In Dublin, Hunter stood by the president during a visit with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.
Hunter Biden and His Family Members Link to China
These public activities with Hunter and his father comes at a perilous time in their relationship.
U.S. House Republicans are investigating Hunter and two other family members for taking payments from a business associate – money that trickled down from a Chinese energy company.
The House Oversight Committee has unearthed bank records and DOJ Suspicious Activity Reports that show Hunter, his uncle, and sister-in-law received $1.3 million from an account attached to Hunter’s business associate.
Federal Investigation Is Ongoing
Hunter also faces a separate federal investigation into his alleged improper tax practices and whether he filed false paperwork on a handgun purchase application. Hunter may also be involved in improper foreign lobbying as well as money laundering, the New York Post said.
The Trip Is Above Board
Regarding the Ireland trip, the White House explained Hunter and his aunt will have to pay their own way from personal accounts.
An administration spokesperson said, “Historically, family members of presidents and first ladies have frequently joined them during international travel. Current practices are consistent with those used by prior Administrations. They cover all additional personal expenses.”
Hunter also traveled on Air Force Two when his father was vice president. These trips were allegedly a way for Hunter to enrich himself for international business development, Republicans say. These critics point out that Hunter started a business in a matter of days after one of these vice presidential visits to China.
Trump’s Sons Traveled to Ireland Too
Former President Donald Trump has also traveled to Ireland with his sons Don Jr. and Eric. The Trump Organization has a hotel and golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland. It is not clear if Trump’s children used the trip to further their own business interests.
Hunter Biden served on the board of Ukrainian natural gas company Burisma, even though he had no prior energy industry experience or expertise. His father as vice president had traveled to Ukraine and had official duties in that country.
The president’s son also traveled to Mexico in 2016 on Air Force Two and had business dealings in that country as well, according to the New York Post.
The elder Biden has maintained he has no knowledge of Hunter’s business activities despite the international trips made by Hunter on the vice-presidential airplane.
It should be noted that the New York Post has made dogged investigations into Hunter, and he has not been indicted for any criminal wrongdoing. The White House has claimed that the Republicans have spread “inaccuracies and lies” about the Biden family and that they are not doing anything improper.
President Biden has said Hunter is on the “straight and narrow” over the last two years. This may be referring to his son’s struggles with substance abuse.
It seems Hunter will remain under the microscope by Republicans and right-leaning media no matter what he does. He could be officially charged with crimes at some point, especially by federal investigators who reportedly have gathered evidence on various wrongdoings. However, until a grand jury hands down official lawbreaking indictments, Hunter should be considered innocent until proven guilty. Republicans believe they already have the goods on Hunter and his family’s improper business dealings. Stay tuned.
MORE: Something Is Wrong With Kamala Harris
MORE: ‘Breathing Fire’: Donald Trump Goes Crazy On Fox News Interview
MORE: Video – Ukraine Has Massive New NATO ‘Cannon’ Ready To Fight Russia
MORE: ‘Americans Will Pay The Price’: One Democrat Is Angry At Joe Biden
MORE: Could Joe Biden Get Impeached?
Author Expertise and Experience:
Serving as 19FortyFive’s Defense and National Security Editor, Dr. Brent M. Eastwood is the author of Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare. He is an Emerging Threats expert and former U.S. Army Infantry officer. You can follow him on Twitter @BMEastwood. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and Foreign Policy/ International Relations.
