President Biden Shows Support for Son Hunter After Felony Conviction in Airport Photo Op

President Biden arranged a public photo opportunity to show support for his son Hunter, who was convicted on three federal gun charges earlier in the day.

The 81-year-old president made an unscheduled trip to Wilmington, Delaware, to meet with Hunter on the tarmac of the Delaware Air National Guard base.

Hunter Biden

Upon arrival, President Biden embraced Hunter and spoke with him for several minutes. The interaction was fully visible to the press, suggesting a deliberate move to demonstrate solidarity amid Hunter’s legal troubles.

President Biden hugged his son Hunter Biden after he became the first child of a sitting president to be convicted of a crime.AFP via Getty Images

Hunter, 54, is photographed pointing before he and his father motorcade to the president’s nearby home in Wilmington, Del.AP

Following the tarmac meeting, the Biden family traveled by motorcade to the president’s home in Wilmington. This display of support comes as Republicans urge prosecutors to investigate President Biden’s involvement in his son and brother James Biden’s foreign business dealings.

Typically, Hunter Biden can travel unnoticed to and from the air base. A previous trip on May 30 saw the family depart before the press could observe. Tuesday’s visible meeting marked a stark contrast, highlighting the president’s intent to publicly support his son.

Hunter Biden, his wife Melissa Cohen and their 4-year-old son Beau greeted President Biden at the airport of the Delaware Air National Guard.AP

Hunter Biden, trailed by first lady Jill Biden’s “work husband” Anthony Bernal, participated in the staged photo op hours after become a convicted felon.REUTERS

President Biden returned to Delaware in the middle of the work week after his son was convicted in his first of at least two federal criminal trials.AFP via Getty Images

Hunter Biden was convicted on Tuesday morning for illegally purchasing and possessing a .38 caliber Colt Cobra revolver in 2018. He allegedly made false statements on a background check form, denying drug use despite ongoing addiction struggles.

In July, Hunter walked away from a plea deal for gun and tax crimes. Prosecutors demanded broader immunity for past conduct, including potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which could implicate President Biden.

President Biden kissed his 4-year-old grandson Beau before the family traveled to his nearby home.AP

Evidence, including photos, emails, and witness statements, suggests Joe Biden had contact with Hunter’s business associates from Chinese government-linked ventures and others from Kazakhstan, Mexico, Russia, and Ukraine while serving as vice president.

It’s unclear what Hunter was pointing at when he greeted his dad.AFP via Getty Images

President Biden’s relatives are able to easily avoid the press if they so choose at the airport — and did so just last month.AFP via Getty Images

The first family chose to publicly greet one another after President Biden chose not to publicly speak on the conviction.AFP via Getty Images

A sentencing date for Hunter’s gun case is expected around September. This coincides with his trial for allegedly evading $1.4 million in taxes on foreign income.

President Biden issued a written statement, saying, “I am the President, but I am also a Dad … I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.”

Hunter Biden’s wife Melissa Cohen also greeted the president.AFP via Getty Images

Hunter Biden walked away from a probation-only plea deal last July over demands for even broader immunity for past conduct.REUTERS

Following the guilty verdict, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre abruptly canceled her regular briefing, leaving questions about the administration’s response to the conviction unanswered.

Biden’s only public event of the day was a pro-gun control speech near the White House, where he called for tougher penalties for infractions, including for families who leave guns unlocked.

Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), criticized the president’s show of support, urging further investigation into Biden’s role in Hunter’s and James Biden’s business dealings.

Legal experts note that Hunter’s conviction, and the potential for more serious charges in other cases, could have significant implications for his future and for President Biden’s administration.

The public display of support from President Biden has sparked a mix of reactions, with some praising his loyalty to his son and others questioning the implications of the ongoing legal battles for the Biden family.