Hunter Biden sought assistance from the U.S. government for an energy project in Italy during President Biden’s tenure as vice president, raising concerns about leveraging political influence for foreign business gains.
In 2016, Biden wrote to the U.S. ambassador to Italy, seeking help for Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company where he was a board member. This information comes from newly released records and interviews.
Officials showed reluctance to assist, wary of aiding a foreign company linked to the vice president’s son. An official noted that the U.S. government should avoid advocating without the company engaging the Department of Commerce’s Advocacy Center.
A Commerce Department official in Rome expressed caution, emphasising the need to avoid overpromising.
Hunter Biden also inquired about connecting Burisma with the president of Tuscany, where Burisma aimed to develop a geothermal project, according to his lawyer, Abbe Lowell. No meeting or project resulted from this request.
Lowell stated that Biden’s outreach was a “proper request” and clarified that President Biden was unaware of his son’s actions. The White House confirmed this.
Hunter Biden has not faced charges under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which mandates disclosure when lobbying the U.S. government for foreign interests.
Fox News Digital sought comments from the State Department and the White House.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Did Hunter Biden seek government help for a project in Italy?
Yes, he sought assistance for a Burisma project in Italy in 2016.
What was Hunter Biden’s connection to the project in Italy?
He was a board member of Burisma, a Ukrainian gas company pursuing a geothermal project.
Did Hunter Biden’s request for help succeed?
No, the officials were hesitant, and no meeting or project materialized.
Was President Biden aware of his son’s actions?
No, the White House stated President Biden wasn’t aware of the outreach.
Has Hunter Biden been charged with violating FARA?
No, he hasn’t been charged with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act.