Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, has publicly entertained the possibility of seeking the presidency in 2028, making the remark during a recent radio interview. Speaking with billionaire businessman John Catsimatidis for his WABC “Cats Roundtable” program, which is scheduled to air this Sunday, Biden addressed the prospect of a future presidential campaign.
"If I get your endorsement, I may have to." Hunter Biden
When the conversation turned to a potential run, Biden told Catsimatidis, “If I get your endorsement, I may have to.” This statement, while stopping short of an official announcement, represents one of Biden’s most direct public acknowledgments of considering a future in electoral politics. He also outlined what he believes should be a fundamental qualification for the presidency, stating, “Here is my qualification for becoming president,” before arguing that the next president should commit to “adhering to the rule of law.” Biden further pointed to addiction as an issue he cares deeply about, noting that tens of millions of Americans continue to struggle with substance abuse.
Any presidential campaign by Hunter Biden would immediately draw intense scrutiny due to his well-documented history of addiction, controversial foreign business relationships, and criminal cases. Biden has openly discussed his years-long addiction to crack cocaine and other substances, experiences that became central evidence in his federal firearms prosecution. A federal jury convicted him in 2024 on three felony gun charges, stemming from his purchase of a firearm while using illegal drugs. His own memoir and other evidence detailing his drug use were introduced during that case. His legal troubles were later addressed in special counsel David Weiss’ final report.
In a separate legal matter, Biden pleaded guilty to federal tax charges. This case concluded with his father, former President Joe Biden, issuing him a sweeping pardon shortly before leaving office. The pardon became politically explosive, especially given that Joe Biden had repeatedly stated beforehand that he would not pardon his son. This decision generated a fierce debate over the justice system and the president’s use of clemency powers, drawing significant criticism from across the political spectrum.
Beyond his legal challenges, Hunter Biden’s overseas business dealings would almost certainly become a major campaign issue if he were to enter the 2028 race. His work for the Ukrainian energy company Burisma became a recurring political controversy during his father’s presidency. Prosecutors previously detailed millions of dollars Hunter Biden received through various foreign business relationships. Republicans spent years investigating whether his family name helped facilitate these arrangements and whether they constituted influence peddling. Hunter Biden has also acknowledged that money earned during that period helped finance his drug addiction, adding another layer of complexity to his business history.
Biden’s potential presidential ambitions emerge amid a noticeable reemergence into public life since 2026. He has become increasingly active online and has appeared on numerous podcasts and in interviews. During these appearances, he has discussed his addiction, his family, President Donald Trump, and the future of the Democratic Party. His social media presence has even generated occasional speculation about whether his increasingly confrontational political persona could translate into an actual political campaign, as noted by the New York Post. Earlier this summer, Biden had joked about joining California Governor Gavin Newsom on a 2028 presidential ticket, though at that time he suggested he would take the vice presidential position rather than run at the top of the ticket. The latest interview goes considerably further by placing Biden himself in the presidential conversation.
Despite his remarks, Biden made clear that he was not formally committing to a campaign. He praised the Democratic Party’s potential 2028 field, describing it as an “incredible bench,” according to the New York Post. Biden specifically singled out Newsom for praise, stating, “I love Gavin Newsom, personally.” Newsom is widely viewed as a potential contender for the Democratic nomination, alongside former Vice President Kamala Harris and several Democratic governors and senators who have also been discussed as possible candidates. Just days prior to this interview, Hunter Biden also spoke favorably about Harris, indicating he would “love” to see her become president and arguing that she still has a future in national politics. It remains unclear whether Biden’s latest comments were primarily playful or represent the beginning of a serious political effort.
