Hunter Biden: The Controversial Life of a President’s Son

Hunter Biden, born Robert Hunter Biden on February 4, 1970, in Wilmington, Delaware, is an American attorney, businessman, and the second son of U.S. President Joe Biden and his first wife, Neilia Hunter Biden. Known for his professional achievements and personal struggles, Hunter has been a polarizing figure in American politics. From his high-profile business dealings to his battles with addiction and legal troubles, his life has been marked by both privilege and controversy.

Key Information About Hunter Biden

Early Life & Childhood

Hunter Biden was born into a prominent political family. His early years were marked by tragedy when, in December 1972, his mother Neilia and younger sister Naomi died in a car accident. Hunter and his older brother Beau survived but were seriously injured. This event deeply impacted the Biden family and shaped much of Hunter’s early life.

Raised primarily by his father and later his stepmother Jill Biden, Hunter grew up in Delaware alongside his siblings. He attended Archmere Academy, a Roman Catholic high school where he followed in the footsteps of his father and brother. Despite the challenges of his early life, Hunter demonstrated resilience and determination.

Education

Hunter pursued higher education with vigor:

• He began college at the University of Pennsylvania but later transferred to Georgetown University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History in 1992.
• After graduation, he joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Portland, Oregon.
• He then enrolled at Georgetown Law School but transferred after one year to Yale Law School. He completed his Juris Doctor degree at Yale in 1996.

Professional Life & Achievements

Hunter’s career has spanned various industries:

1. Early Career at MBNA America:
   After law school, he worked at MBNA America as a consultant and eventually became an executive vice president. His role attracted scrutiny due to MBNA’s financial contributions to his father’s Senate campaigns.
2. Public Service:
   He served as a policy director under President Bill Clinton’s administration, focusing on e-commerce policy.
3. Lobbying & Business Ventures:

• In 2001, he co-founded Oldaker, Biden & Belair, a lobbying firm.
• He later co-founded Rosemont Seneca Partners and was involved with BHR Partners and Burisma Holdings.

1. Board Memberships:
   His position on the board of Burisma Holdings from 2014 to 2019 drew significant public attention due to allegations of impropriety.
2. Legal Troubles:
   In recent years, Hunter faced charges related to tax evasion and illegal firearm possession but received a presidential pardon from his father in December 2024.

Personal Struggles & Addiction

Hunter has been candid about his struggles with substance abuse. His battle with addiction led to personal challenges and public controversies:

• In 2014, he was discharged from the Navy Reserve after testing positive for cocaine.
• His addiction issues have been central to many of his legal troubles and public scrutiny.

Relationships

Hunter’s personal life has also been under the spotlight:

• He married Kathleen Buhle in 1993; they divorced in 2017 after having three daughters.
• Following this, he had a relationship with Hallie Olivere, the widow of his late brother Beau.
• In 2019, he married Melissa Cohen; they have one son together.

Hobbies & Interests

Despite his turbulent life, Hunter enjoys artistic pursuits like painting and writing. His artwork has been displayed publicly and sold for significant sums.

Timeline of Key Life Events

Did You Know?

1. Hunter was named after his mother’s maiden name.
2. He survived a near-fatal car accident at age two.
3. He briefly served in the Navy Reserve before being discharged.
4. His artwork has sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
5. He met his second wife Melissa Cohen just six days before marrying her.
6. He once considered pursuing an MFA in creative writing.
7. He worked odd jobs during college to support himself financially.
8. His business dealings have been investigated multiple times but have not led to charges against Joe Biden.
9. He has lived abroad in China for business purposes.
10. His memoir “Beautiful Things” details his struggles with addiction.

Quotes & Anecdotes

1. “I’m not my mistakes; I’m my own person.”
2. “Addiction doesn’t define me—it’s something I’ve battled.”
3. “My family is my anchor through all storms.”

References

1. Hunter Biden’s Life: Tragedy and Triumph – Britannica
2. The Scandals Surrounding Hunter – BBC News
3. Hunter’s Business Ventures Explained – Politico
4. A Timeline of Hunter’s Legal Troubles – Biography.com
5. Hunter’s Artistic Journey – ArtNews
6. Hunter Biden and the Burisma Controversy – The New York Times
7. Hunter Biden’s Memoir “Beautiful Things” Reviewed – The Guardian
8. Legal Challenges Faced by Hunter Biden – CNN
9. Hunter Biden’s Relationship Timeline – People Magazine
10. How Hunter Biden’s Art Became a Topic of Debate – Washington Post