Hunter Biden claimed under oath in a recently released deposition that his family has no money and he owns few assets, as part of an ongoing legal dispute with the law firm Winston Taylor over $17 million in unpaid legal fees.
The deposition transcript, taken in February but released by Biden's new lawyers this week, shows Biden saying 'My family doesn't have any money, and it's not their debt anyway.' He added that he does not own a car or phone, nor stocks, bonds, or savings accounts, only paintings he painted himself.
What the Left Is Saying
Biden's attorneys argue that Winston Taylor was aware of his financial situation when it took him on as a client and that the parties agreed to 'work something out' regarding payment. They also note that Biden won a $1.7 million defamation judgment in July, though collection has been complicated because defendant Patrick Byrne is believed to be overseas.
Supporters point out that legal fees arose from criminal prosecutions, congressional investigations, and defamation suits against critics, which they view as politically motivated.
What the Right Is Saying
Winston Taylor maintains it attempted to connect Biden with donors in the Democratic ecosystem to help cover his bills. Critics question how Biden can claim poverty given past reports of lavish spending on crack cocaine, alcohol, luxury hotels, prostitutes, and expensive jewelry for his brother's widow.
They also note that he earned a seven-figure salary from Burisma and sold paintings at high prices. Some observers point to the Wall Street Journal report that former President Joe Biden has accrued $800,000 in personal debt and struggles to book paid speaking engagements.
What the Numbers Show
$17 million is the amount Winston Taylor claims Hunter Biden owes. The law firm said it tried to connect him with donors. In July, a judge awarded Biden $1.7 million in a defamation suit against Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne.
According to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, former President Joe Biden receives more than $400,000 annually in government pensions. The Wall Street Journal reported that he had about $800,000 in personal debt and higher property taxes on his Delaware home.
The Bottom Line
The legal dispute continues as both sides prepare for court proceedings. Collection of the defamation award remains uncertain because Byrne is believed to be overseas. The case highlights ongoing financial questions surrounding the Biden family as they navigate post-presidency life.