Hunter Biden is still playing down the idea of running for president in 2028, though he joked Sunday that the right endorsement might change his mind.
The former president’s son told radio host John Catsimatidis that he “may have to” run for president in 2028 if Catsimatidis, a conservative donor and ally of President Donald Trump, gives him an endorsement. Biden initially said he had not made up his mind when asked about a possible campaign.
“If I get your endorsement, I may have to,” Biden told Catsimatidis. “The things I care most about is the 50 million Americans that are still suffering sick … with their addictions.”
Biden, 56, has spoken openly about his drug and alcohol addiction and said during the interview that he recently marked seven and a half years of sobriety.
The more revealing moment came when Catsimatidis asked Biden what would qualify him to become president.
“Here is my qualification for becoming president, if you believe in the Constitution of the United States of America that you swear to uphold and protect. I want the next president to commit to one thing: To adhering to the rule of law,” Biden said.
The “rule of law” pitch comes with considerable baggage; the kind that usually ends in a federal indictment.
A federal jury convicted Biden in 2024 on three felony gun charges stemming from his purchase of a firearm while he was using drugs. He later pleaded guilty to federal tax charges. Before Biden could be sentenced, then-President Joe Biden granted his son a full and unconditional pardon covering federal offenses committed between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 1, 2024.
The possible presidential run marks a sharp reversal from what Hunter Biden said only three weeks ago.
During an Aug. 21 appearance on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” Biden was asked whether he had thought about running for president.
“No, I haven’t [thought of running],” Biden said. “Here’s my thing — if I announce for president, then somebody should check and see if I relapsed.”
This time around, Biden also had kind words for the Democrats who may actually run.
He called the party’s potential 2028 field an “incredible bench,” mentioning Democrat Governors Andy Beshear (D-KY) and JB Pritzker (D-IL) before adding, “I love Gavin Newsom, personally.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has already acknowledged considering a White House run after the 2026 midterms. Other Democrats routinely discussed as possible candidates include former Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Hunter Biden did not announce a campaign. But three weeks after joking that a presidential run would be evidence of a relapse, he is clearly no longer dismissing the idea.
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