Joe Biden publicly acknowledges seventh grandchild for the first time

Joe Biden: «It's not a political issue, it's a family affair.» Credit: REUTERS

Joe Biden publicly acknowledged the seventh grandchild for the first time on Friday in a statement to People magazine.

Navi, 4, is the child of Mr. Biden's son, Hunter, who settled a years-long legal battle in June over about alimony.

“This is not a political issue, this is a family issue. Jill and I only want the best for all of our grandchildren, including the Navy,» Biden said.

The president said his son is working with the child's mother to forge a relationship that is «in the best condition.» their daughter's best interests while safeguarding her privacy as much as possible in the future.»

Speaking at a White House event in April, Mr. Biden said he was «mad» about his six grandchildren, adding that he spoke with them every day.

Some Republicans and Democrats criticized Biden's previous decision not to recognize his seventh grandson.

In 2018, Navy's father was Hunter, 53, and Lunden Roberts, 32, from Arkansas.

< img src=" /wp-content/uploads/2023/07/66c2e7043f1760c2c1e44c3cda9b8c11.jpg" /> Navy with his mother Lunden Roberts. Photo: INSTAGRAM

Hunter Biden's paternity was established through DNA testing after Ms. Roberts sued for child support, and both parties recently resolved outstanding legal issues.

The president's son wrote about his meeting with Ms. Roberts in his 2021 memoir, saying it happened when he became heavily addicted to alcohol and drugs, including crack cocaine.

«I have there was no recollection of our meeting,” he wrote. “That's how little connection I had with anyone. I was in a mess, but a mess for which I took responsibility.”

Biden family tree

Attorney for Ms. Roberts did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hunter Biden has four more children, including son Beau, born to his wife Melissa Cohen in 2020. It was named after the president's late son, who died of cancer in 2015 leaving two children.

Mr. Biden's grandchildren have played a special role in his presidency, often accompanying the president or first lady on trips and regularly visiting White house.

The President also credits his grandchildren with convincing him to challenge then-President Donald Trump in the 2020 White House election.