Valerie Biden Owens, the president’s younger sister, has defended her nephew Hunter Biden, claiming he is a victim of conservative attacks.
When asked if her nephew bears some responsibility for the controversy surrounding his laptop and financial misconduct, Owens said “no”.
“Hunter walked through hell,” she told USA Today. “He didn’t wake up and say, ‘Aunt Val, I think I’m going to be an addict. And so whatever happens, it’s my responsibility'”.
Instead Owens praised her nephew for having the “courage” and “strength” to fight his addictions to crack cocaine and alcohol.
Last week, Owens kicked off a book tour ahead of the release of her new memoir, “Growing Up Biden: A Memoir”.
In the past, she has served as campaign manager for all seven of President Biden’s Senate campaigns and advised him during his three presidential campaigns.
While many believe the worst is yet to come for the Biden family, Owens said “I don’t know what could be worse than Beau’s dying of glioblastoma when he was 46 years old”.
“I don’t know what could be worse than watching Hunter walk through hell. You never say the worst is over, but whatever comes, we can handle it as a family,” she added.
During the interview, Owens said “Trump and his right-wing followers have continued to do whatever they can to discredit the family and therefore to bring Joe down”.
She also defended her brother, who often stumbles in his speeches. “My brother’s a stutterer, and he still stutters and tries to get things out,” Owens said.
“And what did really make me mad and drive me crazy was when he would go to speak, and there would be a hesitancy, and the critique from the bad guys, the right wing, was that he’s not smart; he didn’t know what he was saying,” she continued.
Amid the recent rumors and federal investigation, Hunter Biden has been out of the public’s eye.