During a recent BBC Newsnight interview, Hunter Biden provided a rare and emotional update on the health of his father, former President Joe Biden, confirming that the cancer he is battling has advanced significantly. The younger Biden also addressed the controversial presidential pardon his father issued before leaving office, offering a candid and critical assessment of its implications.
"The cancer has spread. It’s metastasized into his bones and further." — Hunter Biden, Son of former President Joe Biden
The interview, conducted by BBC host Paddy O’Connell, delved into the former President's health following earlier public comments from Jill Biden about her husband's prostate and bone cancer. O’Connell directly asked Hunter Biden how his family had absorbed the news. Visibly emotional, Hunter Biden paused before responding, "It’s really tough, Paddy. That’s the real answer."
He then spoke at length about his father's central role in their family. "My dad is, and to this day remains, the center of our family," Biden stated, emphasizing that this was "not just because of who he is as the public person, but completely because of who he is to each one of us, down to his grandchildren and his great-grandchild." He described his father in reverent terms, calling him "our rock" and praising his unwavering support for the family. "He has been there for each one of us in a way that is hard for me to even possibly articulate and explain," Hunter Biden added, continuing, "Whatever you think about his politics or the decisions that he made, I can tell you this. He’s the best father, the best husband, the best grandfather of anyone that I’ve ever read about, heard about, or even seen in a movie."
The conversation took a somber turn as Hunter Biden discussed the day-to-day reality of his father's illness. "So it’s really hard, Paddy, and it’s really sad to watch," he said. He then delivered a stark update on the disease's progression: "It’s really the only thing that I say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more because it’s not good." He confirmed the severity of the illness, stating, "The cancer has spread. It’s metastasized into his bones and further."
Despite the painful and debilitating nature of the illness, Hunter Biden portrayed his father as unyielding. "It’s very painful and it’s very debilitating in many respects, but he’s still out there. He’s still doing this thing," he noted. He attributed this persistence to his father's deep conviction in the nation. "That is, he so believes in this country, and as long as he’s alive, I promise you he’s going to continue to fight," Biden asserted.
The interview later shifted to the politically charged topic of the pardon former President Joe Biden granted his son before leaving office. O’Connell directly questioned whether the former president had overstepped as a father in making that decision. Hunter Biden acknowledged the privilege involved, calling himself "as privileged" as anyone in his position. He maintained that he never discussed a potential pardon with his father in advance, expressing that he remained "eternally grateful" for it regardless.
However, when pressed to consider the broader consequences of the decision, Hunter Biden offered a notably critical self-assessment. "Was it good for our Constitution? Was it good for the American people? Was it good for my dad’s legacy? No. On all counts, it was not," he conceded. He went further, acknowledging that the backlash against the pardon was justified. "It’s something that is easily criticized and for good reason," Biden stated, concluding that portion of the interview by saying, "And I can’t pretend otherwise."
News of Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis first became public earlier this year, with subsequent reports suggesting the family had been aware of health concerns prior to that disclosure. While Jill Biden has occasionally spoken about her husband's condition, the former president himself has maintained a low public profile regarding his health since departing office. Hunter Biden's recent remarks represent one of the most candid and detailed family accounts to date regarding the progression of the illness and its impact on those closest to him. The remainder of the BBC interview reportedly focused on criticism of President Donald Trump.
