President Biden’s Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre came under fire Wednesday after insisting that Hunter Biden is a “private citizen” amidst his ongoing legal troubles.
At the top of the White House press briefing, Jean-Pierre remarked that she would refer journalists to Hunter’s legal team and reminded them that he is “a private citizen.”
“Hunter Biden is a private citizen, and this was a personal matter for him,” she said. “As we have said, the President, the First Lady, they love their son, and they support him as he continues to rebuild his life.”
Naturally, the comment drew criticism on social media, with many questioning the White House’s characterization of Hunter as a “private citizen.”
“A private citizen with a motorcade,” former Arizona Attorney General nominee Abe Hamadeh remarked.
A private citizen with a motorcade. https://t.co/HiasMx0cPu
— Abe Hamadeh (@AbrahamHamadeh) July 26, 2023
“But yet the Candidacy set up the laptop disinformation campaign. He lives at the White House. Travels with his Father on Official business. Is at his Fathers side advising him on Official appearances. Has evidence he is actually in business with his Father. Has used influence of dad,” former NYPD detective Rob O’Donnell noted.
But yet the Candidacy set up the laptop disinformation campaign.
He lives at the White House
Travels with his Father on Official business
Is at his Fathers side advising him on Official appearances.
Has evidence he is actually in business with his Father
Has used influence of dad https://t.co/3fBsyTMXpd— Rob O’Donnell (@odonnell_r) July 26, 2023
GOP Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, meanwhile, pointed out that “whether or not Joe Biden was directly involved with his family’s schemes – as text messages, emails, photos, visitor logs, and on-the-record accounts all suggest – is not a ‘personal matter.’”
Whether or not Joe Biden was directly involved with his family’s schemes – as text messages, emails, photos, visitor logs, and on-the-record accounts all suggest – is not a “personal matter.”https://t.co/Efs650meMm
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) July 26, 2023
Meanwhile, Jean-Pierre repeatedly avoided and shut down questions by reporters regarding Hunter Biden, claiming that he had already taken part in an independent investigation.
When Real Clear Politics reporter Phil Wegmann asked if the President’s language had changed regarding his son’s business dealings, Jean-Pierre insisted “nothing has changed.”
Jean-Pierre’s comments came after Hunter’s plea deal fell through earlier that morning, leaving questions regarding his ongoing legal issues unanswered. The White House’s characterization of Hunter Biden as a “private citizen” raised eyebrows, and many have called on the Press Secretary to provide more clarity on the matter.
“Private citizen” Hunter Biden takes taxpayer-funded motorcade to courthouse to face federal crimes of not paying his taxes.
Can’t make it up. pic.twitter.com/H7cXU2w7Lo
— Guy Reschenthaler (@GReschenthaler) July 26, 2023