Former President Trump said he understands how President Biden feels after his son, Hunter Biden, was convicted on charges related to illegally purchasing a gun because of his past drug addiction.
“I understand it pretty well, because I’ve had it with people who have it in their family,” Trump said in a Fox News interview with Aishah Hasnie late Thursday, discussing addiction. “It’s a very tough thing.”
“It’s a very tough situation for a father; it’s a very tough situation for a brother or sister; and it goes on, and it’s not stopping, whether it’s alcohol or drugs or whatever it may be,” he continued. “It’s a tough thing, and so that’s a tough moment for the family. It’s a tough moment for any family involved in that.”
Trump’s own brother, Fred, had alcoholism and died in 1981.
Hunter Biden was convicted Tuesday of three felony counts of illegally purchasing and possessing a firearm, with prosecutors claiming he lied on paperwork when he purchased a handgun in 2018.
His weeklong trial significantly focused on his past addiction to cocaine, and featured testimony from his family, friends and ex-partners.
Hunter Biden faces a maximum of 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines, however, first-time offenders are rarely given the maximum penalty. The president said recently he would not pardon his son if convicted or commute his sentence.
In California, Hunter Biden faces separate charges for allegedly failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes and filing false returns, which could go to trial in September.
Before the verdict Monday, President Biden showed support for his son. The president made an unscheduled visit to Delaware to see him Tuesday.
“Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us,” President Biden said in a statement. “A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean. As the President, I don’t and won’t comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength.”