Hunter Biden | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 03, 2025

Who is Hunter Biden?

Hunter Biden, born Robert Hunter Biden on February 4, 1970, in Wilmington, Delaware, is the only surviving son of President Joe Biden and his first wife, Neilia. Growing up in a politically active family, he navigated personal tragedies, including the loss of his mother and younger sister in a car accident in 1972. Hunter graduated from Georgetown University in 1992 and later earned his law degree from Yale. As a lawyer and businessman, he co-founded Rosemont Seneca Partners, an investment and advisory firm, and served on the board of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma Holdings from 2014 to 2019, a role that brought him both prominence and controversy.

Known for his turbulent personal life, Hunter Biden has been open about his struggles with addiction, which began in his teenage years. His journey has included stints in rehabilitation and notable periods of sobriety, intertwined with relapses. Hunter was married to Kathleen Buhle from 1993 until their separation in 2016, and they have three daughters together. In 2017, he began a relationship with his late brother Beau's widow, Hallie Biden, garnering significant media attention. Currently married to South African filmmaker Melissa Cohen, Hunter has a son named Beau, emphasizing his continuous efforts to rebuild his life amidst public scrutiny and legal challenges, including recent felony convictions for tax evasion and gun-related charges, which he received a pardon for from his father in December 2024.

Early Life and Education

Hunter Biden, born on February 4, 1970, in Wilmington, Delaware, is the second son of Joe Biden and his first wife, Neilia. He has an older brother, Joseph "Beau" Biden III, and a sister, Naomi "Amy" Biden. The family faced a devastating tragedy when, on December 18, 1972, their mother and younger sister were killed in a car accident, while Hunter and Beau survived but suffered serious injuries. This experience profoundly impacted Hunter's life and formed a backdrop to his later struggles with addiction. After the accident, Joe Biden prioritized supporting his sons and later married Jill Biden in 1977, blending their family with the birth of Ashley Biden in 1981.

Hunter attended Archmere Academy, a private Catholic high school where he formed close ties with his family’s legacy. After graduating in 1988, he enrolled at Georgetown University and worked various odd jobs to finance his education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1992 before pursuing law. Initially accepted into the creative writing program at Syracuse University for a joint degree, Hunter ultimately chose to attend Georgetown Law. His ambition led him to transfer to Yale Law School, where he completed his Juris Doctor in 1996, preparing for a multifaceted career amid the complexities of his personal life.

Notable Career Start and Legal Troubles

Hunter Biden is best known as the only surviving son of President Joe Biden. Born on February 4, 1970, in Wilmington, Delaware, he holds a prominent place not only in the Biden family but also in the political and business arenas. A lawyer by profession, Hunter co-founded Rosemont Seneca Partners, an investment and advisory firm. He attracted significant attention when he joined the board of Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company, in 2014. His role sparked controversy during the 2020 presidential election, culminating in allegations of corruption that ultimately led to investigations. Despite the scrutiny, both Hunter and his father were cleared of any wrongdoing in official findings.

However, Hunter's path has been marred by legal troubles and personal challenges. In June 2023, he faced felony gun and tax convictions, which resulted in a plea of guilty to several charges. Hunter's legal issues were complicated further by his struggles with addiction, leading to a convoluted legal journey that saw him charged and convicted on multiple counts. Following his father's full pardon on December 1, 2024, he avoided any prison time, highlighting the complexity of his circumstances—where personal battles and political implications intertwine. Hunter's experiences serve as a deeper narrative about resilience amid adversity and scrutiny.

Major Achievements and Controversies

Hunter Biden, the only surviving son of President Joe Biden, boasts a multifaceted career encompassing law, finance, and public service. He is a co-founder of Rosemont Seneca Partners, an investment and advisory firm, demonstrating his acumen in the business realm. Additionally, Biden served on the board of Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company, from 2014 until 2019. His appointment drew scrutiny amid political allegations linked to his father's vice presidency. Despite the controversies surrounding his roles, Hunter has maintained a prominent presence in discussions on the intersection of family, politics, and business in the U.S.

However, Hunter's life has not been devoid of turmoil. A decades-long battle with addiction and substance abuse has marred his personal journey, leading to significant public attention. His struggles culminated in legal troubles, with felony tax evasion and gun charges that resulted in convictions in 2024. The subsequent controversial pardon granted by President Biden in December 2024 ignited debates on justice and privilege in America. Critics argued that Hunter was given preferential treatment due to his familial ties, a narrative that raised questions about accountability and the influence of politics on legal proceedings.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Hunter Biden's personal life has been marked by a series of significant relationships and family dynamics. He married Kathleen Buhle in July 1993 after a brief courtship that led to an unexpected pregnancy. Together, they welcomed three daughters: Naomi, Finnegan, and Maisy. However, Hunter's struggles with alcoholism and infidelity strained their marriage, ultimately leading them to separate in 2016 and finalize their divorce in early 2017. During this tumultuous period, allegations surfaced regarding Hunter's extravagant spending on personal interests, which exacerbated financial concerns for the family.

Following his divorce, Hunter found solace in a romantic relationship with Hallie Olivere Biden, the widow of his late brother Beau. This relationship emerged from shared grief but soon attracted intense public scrutiny, prompting their split in August 2017. In a subsequent paternity case, Hunter was confirmed to be the father of a daughter named Navy, born to Arkansas woman Lunden Alexis Roberts. In 2019, Hunter married South African filmmaker Melissa Cohen just days after meeting her, and the couple welcomed their son, Beau, in March 2020. Together, they navigate the complexities of family life amid public scrutiny.

Net Worth and Earning: Overview of Earnings

Hunter Biden has amassed a considerable fortune through a variety of business ventures, law firms, and consulting firms. As a co-founder of Rosemont Seneca Partners, an investment and advisory firm, he has engaged in diverse investment opportunities. Biden’s time as a board member of Burisma Holdings, a Ukrainian energy company, drew both attention and criticism, particularly regarding potential conflicts of interest due to his father's political career. His lucrative role in Burisma reportedly provided him with a salary that contributed significantly to his wealth during his tenure.

In addition to his direct business involvements, Hunter has also worked in the legal sector and has held various advisory positions within both the private and public sectors. His history with corporate lobbying and consulting has further bolstered his financial standing. However, Biden's earnings have gone through ups and downs, influenced by his struggles with addiction and legal issues. The scrutiny surrounding his financial dealings has not only impacted his net worth but also highlighted the challenges of navigating public perception in the context of his father's political legacy.