President Joe Biden is currently in Italy for the G7 summit, where he is meeting with other world leaders to discuss the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. However, Biden’s trip comes as his family faces personal and political fallout from his son Hunter Biden’s recent conviction on federal felony gun charges.
Hunter Biden was found guilty of one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in 2018 and two counts of failing to disclose his drug use when he purchased the weapon. The conviction is a first for a first son and could have significant political implications for the Biden family.
On the plane to Italy, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre did not answer questions about how Biden learned of his son’s guilty verdict or whether he was accompanying his son on his trip to California. Jean-Pierre instead read a statement from Biden, saying he did not have any additional information to share.
Hunter Biden is also facing trial in California on nine counts of federal tax crimes, including tax evasion, which could raise further questions about his foreign business dealings. The trial is scheduled to start in September, just weeks before the 2024 presidential election.
Despite the challenges facing the Biden family, the president and his team are trying to focus on his agenda, including promoting democracy and defending Ukraine. However, the recent success of far-right parties in European Parliament elections has raised concerns about the direction of democracy in Europe.
Meanwhile, Biden’s aides are trying to underscore the differences between the president and his predecessor, Donald Trump, including on the issue of democracy. However, critics argue that Biden’s promotion of democracy is being undermined by his own family’s controversies.
Biden will also be meeting with Pope Francis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his trip, where he is expected to discuss a new long-term bilateral security agreement.
