Hunter Biden has expressed concerns that his past struggles with drug addiction may have negatively affected the health of his father, Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States. In a recent interview, Hunter, 56, opened up about the former president’s battle with cancer, revealing that the disease has spread, or metastasized, to Joe Biden’s bones and beyond.
Hunter described watching his father’s condition as deeply painful and emotionally challenging. He acknowledged the toll his addiction took on their relationship and on his father’s well-being. “Of course I did,” Hunter said when asked if he had worsened his father’s life. “That’s what addiction does.” Despite this, he emphasized that Joe Biden never held a grudge, always making it clear that he would welcome Hunter back whenever he was ready and that his love for him was unconditional.
Hunter also spoke about the emotional strain he experienced during his lowest moments, referring to falling into a “well of despair.” He credited his father with offering guidance and support that helped him find his way out of that dark period, though he noted that the stress associated with these struggles never fully disappears.
Joe Biden, who served as president until January 2026 and was the oldest person to hold the office, has faced ongoing concerns about his age and health throughout his tenure. He publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis in May 2025, just a few months after leaving the White House. Hunter commented on his father’s current state, expressing a desire for him to voice his challenges more openly, noting, “I wish he would complain more, because it’s not good.”
The Biden family’s candid discussion highlights the personal impact of illness and addiction on their lives, underscoring the complexities faced by public figures and their families in balancing private struggles with public responsibilities.
