Hunter Biden has shared an emotional update on Joe Biden’s health, describing his father’s cancer battle as painful to witness and revealing that the illness has continued to progress.
During a wide-ranging interview with BBC News, Hunter became emotional while speaking about the former U.S. president’s condition, admitting that watching his father go through the illness has been extremely difficult.
“Cancer is really hard,” Hunter said, pausing to gather himself. “It’s really sad to watch.”
He revealed that the cancer has spread beyond its initial diagnosis, saying, “The cancer has spread, metastasized into his bones and further.” Hunter added that the condition is “very painful” and “very debilitating.”
Despite his health struggles, Hunter said Joe Biden remains the foundation of their family. “My dad is, to this day, the center of our family,” he said. “He’s the best father, the best husband, the best grandfather.”
“The only thing that I say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more,” Hunter added, expressing that he wishes his father would be more open about what he is going through.
During the interview, Hunter also addressed the controversy surrounding the presidential pardon he received in December 2024. He acknowledged the criticism surrounding the decision and said he understands why it became a major point of debate.
Although he admitted the pardon did not benefit the country, the Constitution, or his father’s legacy, Hunter said he remains thankful that Joe Biden chose to put his role as a father first. He also maintained that the two never discussed the possibility of a pardon before it was issued.
Hunter further dismissed speculation that he could eventually enter politics, saying elected office is not something he plans to pursue. Instead, he hopes to focus more on addiction recovery advocacy, an issue he believes can unite people across political divides.
Based on his own experiences with substance abuse, Hunter said he wants to use his story to encourage others, offering support and hope to people facing similar struggles.
When reflecting on what defines his father, Hunter looked beyond Joe Biden’s political career and highlighted his ability to overcome personal tragedies, setbacks, and now a serious health challenge.
“He’s proven time and time again that when you get knocked down, you can get up,” Hunter said. “He’s the toughest man I know.”
