White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had no explanations Tuesday for why President Biden’s embattled son, Hunter Biden, traveled together with his dad aboard Marine One, however was not listed as a passenger on the presidential helicopter.
Hunter Biden is dealing with a slew of authorized points after defying a congressional subpoena to testify earlier than House investigators final week. He has additionally been indicted on federal gun and tax costs, dealing with a mixed 42 years behind bars.
The president returned to the White House Tuesday morning after spending Monday at his residence in Wilmington, Delaware, the place he marked the anniversary of the 1972 automobile accident that took the lives of his first spouse and daughter.
He arrived on the White House by way of Marine One, and Hunter Biden acquired off the helicopter together with his dad. His identify was not included on the checklist of vacationers the White House offers to the press each time Mr. Biden takes a visit.
Ms. Jean-Pierre mentioned she didn’t know whether or not members of the family wanted to be included on passenger lists for Air Force One or Marine One. She then shortly pivoted to debate the loss of life of Mr. Biden’s first spouse, Neilia.
“Obviously you’ve seen the president with his family the past couple of days and I think you know why. They were observing a very somber anniversary for them,” she mentioned. “This was a somber moment in the family so they were certainly together to acknowledge and take part in that anniversary. We want to be really sensitive to that.”
When requested if the White House was making an attempt to hide Hunter Biden’s presence amid his authorized woes, Ms. Jean-Pierre urged reporters to succeed in out to his representatives.
“The president and the first lady love their son very much,” she mentioned.
Ms. Jean-Pierre declined to say if the White House will change its coverage to announce when members of the family journey with the president.
Marine One is funded by taxpayers. Presidents are permitted to deliver members of the family aboard the helicopter in addition to Air Force One, however the kin are required to reimburse taxpayers.
Flying aboard official authorities plane is taken into account a taxable fringe profit and any kin who journey with the president should pay taxes on the equal of getting obtained a first-class seat for a similar itinerary.
Ms. Jean-Pierre didn’t say if Hunter Biden paid for his seat.
