‘Kind of foul play’: Joe Biden defends his son Hunter in interview with Stephen Colbert
'I am not concerned about any accusations made against him. It's used to get to me'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.President-elect Joe Biden has defended his son Hunter in an interview with A Late Show host Stephen Colbert, suggesting the investigation into his son’s tax affairs is a way of getting at him.
Mr Biden appeared in a pre-taped interview alongside his wife Dr Jill Biden due to air on Thursday night.
In a preview, shared with CBS Evening News, the president-elect says: "We have great confidence in our son. I am not concerned about any accusations made against him. It's used to get to me.
"I think it's kind of foul play," he continued. "Look, it is what it is. He's a grown man. He's the smartest man I know. I mean, in a pure intellectual capacity. As long as he's good, we're good."
"As a father, I understand that and I admire that," responded Colbert. "But I mean, in terms of your job as president, can you reach across the aisle to people who will be using this as an attack on you when it is such a personal attack, because it's about family?"
"But if it benefits the country, yes. I really mean it," concluded Biden.
Mr Biden's son is currently facing a criminal tax probe by federal prosecutors in the family's home state of Delaware.
Hunter Biden, who is a lawyer, has said in a statement that he "take[s] this matter very seriously".
He added that he was “confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisors".
The interview in its entirety was scheduled to air on Thursday (17 December) at 11.35pm ET / 10.35pm CT on CBS.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments