Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Joe Biden's son discharged from US Navy 'over cocaine use'

Hunter Biden thanks family for support but vice-president's office is yet to comment

Jon Stone
Friday 17 October 2014 04:14 EDT
Comments
US vice-president Joe Biden with his son, Hunter
US vice-president Joe Biden with his son, Hunter (AP)

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.

The son of US vice-president Joe Biden has reportedly been thrown out of the US Navy after failing a drug test for cocaine.

Hunter Biden, son of President Obama’s deputy Joe Biden, failed check in June last year, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The former Navy reservist confirmed that he had been subject to administrative discharge and said the episode had been embarrassing for him.

“It was the honor [sic] of my life to serve in the US Navy, and I deeply regret and am embarrassed that my actions led to my administrative discharge,” he said in the statement through his lawyer.

“I respect the Navy's decision. With the love and support of my family, I'm moving forward.”

Despite Mr Biden’s reference to his family’s support, there was no public response from the vice-president’s office.

Hunter’s brother is the attorney general of the US state of Delaware, and is standing as a candidate for governor there. He also holds the rank of Major in the Delaware National Guard.

Commander Ryan Perry, a spokesperson for the US Navy, confirmed that Mr Biden had been discharged from the navy reserve in February 2014. He said he could not release further details due to US privacy laws.

Mr Biden is a lawyer by training and now works as a managing partner at an investment company, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in