Biden acknowledges granddaughter Hunter discovered through DNA test

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
29 Jul 2023 09:19

US President Joe Biden says the Biden family seeks to protect the privacy of Hunter Biden's daughter, Navy, after child support issues were settled between Hunter and Navy's mother, Lunden Roberts following a legal case.

President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden, and his son, Beau Biden, watch a fireworks show during a Fourth of July celebration at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (AP)

US President Joe Biden officially recognized his seventh grandchild, stating, "This is not a political issue, it’s a family matter."

Navy, a four-year-old girl, was fathered by Biden's son Hunter Biden and Arkansas woman Lunden Roberts back in 2018.

Roberts sued Hunter for child support after a DNA test proved his paternity of Navy. However, only recently had child support issues been settled between the younger Biden and Roberts.

In a statement to People Magazine, the US President said, "Our son Hunter and Navy’s mother, Lunden, are working together to foster a relationship that is in the best interests of their daughter, preserving her privacy as much as possible going forward," adding that "Jill and I only want what is best for all of our grandchildren, including Navy."

Hunter wrote about his experience with Roberts in his memoir from 2021, noting that it took place at a time when he was heavily addicted to alcohol and substances, including crack cocaine.

"I had no recollection of our encounter...that’s how little connection I had with anyone. I was a mess, but a mess I’ve taken responsibility for."

Hunter Biden plea deal falls through

The younger Biden is notorious for his involvement in numerous scandals, including substance abuse, commercial sex, and, most importantly, high-level corruption.

On July 26, Hunter pleaded not guilty to tax fraud charges after a federal judge indicated she needed more time to evaluate a potential agreement with prosecutors to avoid a felony gun charge.

The turnaround occurred after what was supposed to be a normal plea hearing evolved into a three-hour marathon of quiet discussions between lawyers and tough questioning from US District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika.

"I cannot accept the plea agreement today," Noreika proclaimed, asking for clarification from the parties on why she should accept the plea.

This means attorneys may still have a chance to persuade Noreika to approve the settlement as originally agreed or to change it to a form she may accept.

The news of the plea agreement in June drew claims of preferential treatment for Hunter from Donald Trump and his Republican supporters, who have long accused the younger Biden of foreign influence-peddling, among other things.