Election under the shade of trial: Inside Hunter Biden’s federal gun trial

The trial of Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden's son, has been a dramatic and emotional journey, drawing significant public interest. Charged with making false statements on a federal gun purchase form and possessing a firearm while using illegal drugs, the trial has highlighted both legal and personal challenges.

The trial, taking place in Wilmington, Delaware, saw Hunter Biden's family, including his daughter Naomi and his sister Ashley, providing emotional support. Naomi Biden's testimony was particularly poignant. She spoke about her father's struggle with addiction, stating that she never witnessed his drug use but was aware of it. Naomi expressed pride in her father for seeking rehab in 2018, just months before the gun purchase in question, saying, "he seemed like the clearest that I had seen him since my uncle died, and he just seemed really great." Her statements brought tears to the eyes of family members, including First Lady Jill Biden​.

Similarly, Hallie Biden, Hunter's former sister-in-law, and ex-girlfriend, testified about their relationship and his drug use. She recounted finding drug paraphernalia and accompanying him to drug deals, painting a picture of a man deeply entrenched in substance abuse during their relationship. Hallie's testimony included poignant moments of her pleading with Hunter to stop using drugs, highlighting the toll his addiction took on their relationship, yet mentioning in 2018 he was doing "great."

The prosecution has built its case on substantial evidence, including text messages, bank records, and excerpts from Hunter Biden’s memoir. These pieces of evidence are intended to show his drug use around the time he purchased the firearm. For instance, witness Zoe Kestan testified about Biden's regular crack cocaine use in 2017 and 2018, detailing his significant cash withdrawals to support his addiction. They also mentioned one of the text messages in which Naomi wrote: "I'm sorry daddy, I can't take this, I just miss you and want to hang out with you."

Likewise, prosecutors claim that Hunter lied on a federal gun form by denying his drug use, a central issue to the charges he faces.

Defense attorney Abbey Lowell has argued that the prosecution must prove Hunter Biden was actively using drugs at the exact time he purchased the gun in October 2018. The defense also suggested that some evidence might be inconclusive, particularly the lack of explicit references to drug use in the month of the gun purchase.

Hunter Biden’s struggles with addiction have been a recurring theme throughout the trial. His ex-wife testified about finding drug paraphernalia in his car, further illustrating his battle with substance abuse. The defense, however, maintains that the critical point is whether he was using drugs when he purchased the firearm, which remains a contentious issue.

The prosecution, led by Derek Hines, an assistant to Special Counsel David Weiss, emphasized that "Nobody is above the law," framing the case within the broader context of legal accountability regardless of one’s status.

It is unknown whether Hunter Biden will testify. Defense attorney Abbe Lowell said he needed the weekend to make this "last decision" before resting his case.