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First lady Jill Biden defended Hunter Biden and lamented the “cruel” treatment he has received at the hands of Republicans.
In a sit-down with MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski that aired Thursday, Mrs. Biden discussed the “horrible” House Republicans who showed nude photos of Hunter Biden during congressional hearings as she came to the defense of the 53-year-old son of President Joe Biden.
“What they are doing to Hunter is cruel, and I’m really proud of how he has rebuilt his life after addiction. I love my son. It’s hurt my grandchildren. That’s what I’m so concerned about, that it’s affecting their lives as well,” the first lady said from the White House. She didn’t specify whether she meant ALL the grandchildren or just the ‘legitimate’ ones that the Biden family acknowledged from birth.
“I think what they are doing to Hunter is cruel.”@FLOTUS Jill Biden opens up to @morningmika on @morning_joe about her son. https://t.co/3B8L0WAhYW pic.twitter.com/eeeU7sii4k
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 11, 2024
Mrs. Biden delivered the predictable talking points in the wide-ranging interview, responding to Brzezinski’s question about the “cruelty of MAGA Republicans against your family” by saying it inspires her to keep going.
She warned that Americans have a choice between “strong, steady leadership” and “chaos and division.”
EXCLUSIVE: @FLOTUS sits down with @morningmika for a candid discussion on the 2024 campaign, where she lays out the choice between “strong, steady leadership” and “chaos and division.”
Watch TOMORROW on @Morning_Joe at 6am Eastern. pic.twitter.com/QlkdnePPz7
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 11, 2024
She dismissed concerns about her husband’s age, saying it was more of an “asset” while claiming he is filled with “vigor” and “energy.”
“His age is an asset… he is the right person for the job at this moment.”
EXCLUSIVE: @FLOTUS Jill Biden speaks to @morningmika on @morning_joe about voter concerns about the president’s age. https://t.co/cqAN0DHEMF pic.twitter.com/G5SdOhBZVb
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 11, 2024
The first lady’s defense of her family and Hunter Biden came a day after he made headlines for crashing a House Oversight Committee, hearing that eventually voted on moving ahead with holding him in contempt of Congress for flouting a subpoena to testify last year.
The younger Biden left Washinton, D.C. to head to California where he pleaded not guilty to nine federal tax charges on Thursday, including three felony and six misdemeanor charges that could land him behind bars for 17 years if convicted.
The arraignment was held in the Central District of California before District Judge Mark Scarsi, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump.
Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to federal tax charges, with an initial trial date set for June 20. @mikememoli reports from outside the court house. pic.twitter.com/ersBQ2MA3C
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 11, 2024
The trial date has been set to begin on June 20.