It appears Joe Biden wrote a letter to his son’s business partner in 2011.
This is despite the President’s longstanding claims he never discussed business involving Hunter.
The first son is the subject of a Republican-led investigation into the president’s alleged connections to Hunter’s foreign business dealings in China and Ukraine.
On Monday, Hunter’s ex-business partner Devon Archer testified in front of the House Oversight Committee in a behind-closed-doors hearing.
During the testimony, Archer referenced at least 20 occasions during conversations with business partners where he said then-Vice President Biden was placed on speaker phone.
However, he maintained “nothing of importance” was exchanged during these conversations.
Joe Biden: “Glad you guys are together”
Following Monday’s testimony, Archer spoke with former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson in a sit-down interview released on Wednesday.
During the interview, Archer shared a letter written to him by the then-VP following a lunch with visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao.
After addressing him as “Devin,” Biden wrote: “I apologize for not getting a chance to talk to you at the luncheon yesterday. I was having trouble getting away from hosting President Hu.
“I hope I get a chance to see you again soon with Hunter. I hope you enjoyed lunch. Thanks for coming,” Biden concluded in the note dated Jan. 20, 2011.
In a reference to their business partnership, Biden added in a handwriting: “P.S. Happy you guys are together.”
The letter features a masthead used on official letters issued by the vice president’s office, and is signed by Biden himself.
Archer’s answers
During Wednesday’s interview on Twitter/X, Archer sought to diminish concerns surrounding the controversy with his former business partner.
Regarding the letter, Carlson asked simply: “What was he thanking you for?”
“First of all, it’s a lovely letter,” Archer replied.
“Listen, it was kind of the beginning of our partnership, and he was thanking me and thanking Hunter, I think, at the end of the day for bringing this idea of this government-regulatory-strategic-advisory business into the private equity world.
“I think he was excited for the prospects for Hunter, and he was just thanking [me], and I think it was a nice gesture.”
Carlson agreed it was “a nice gesture for sure,” but highlighted the concern of a vice president thanking a businessman for his foreign deals.
“At the time, I think I hit the jackpot in finding the regulatory environment or company that can navigate right to the top,” Archer said.
“But, you know, obviously, as time has told, being a little bit too close to the sun ends up burning you.”
“These are not business guys,” Carlson retorted.
“This is the vice president of the United States. He’s not allowed to be working on businesses with foreign governments while he’s vice president, I don’t think.”
When Archer replied, “not that I know of,” Carlson was quick to exclaim: “But here he is!”
The Biden family continues to be investigated by lawmakers amid growing pressure to impeach the president from supporters loyal to Donald Trump.
Shay Bottomley is a British journalist based in Canada. He has written for the Western Standard, Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough Express, Windsor Express, Berkshire Live and Southend Echo, and has covered notable events including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
