The White House confirmed on Friday that it will take all necessary ethical precautions regarding the organization of any exhibition or sale of paintings by Hunter Biden, the son of the American president, whose personal life has been marked by painful events and whose professional life has stirred controversy. In response to a question about upcoming exhibitions of Hunter Biden's artwork at the George Burgess gallery in New York, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki stated on Friday that the president's son "will be present" and emphasized that this situation "is different from meeting potential buyers."
Psaki had announced on July 9 that a "system would be put in place to allow Hunter Biden to pursue his profession under reasonable assurances," including confidentiality for any transactions and prohibiting communication with buyers. She clarified that "all exchanges related to the sale of works and their value will be conducted by a professional gallery owner adhering to extremely strict rules." Any "unusual offers" will be rejected, and the gallery owner "will not provide any information regarding buyers or potential buyers, including their identities, to Hunter Biden or the U.S. administration," ensuring a high level of protection and transparency.
The gallery declined to comment when contacted by AFP and did not immediately provide any details. The Biden administration, which seeks to present itself as free from ethical blemishes, has been questioned on several occasions regarding the artistic profession of Joe Biden's son, a lawyer and businessman turned painter. U.S. media generally point to the risk of industrialists or financiers purchasing his works solely to appease the White House, with prices for paintings potentially exceeding half a million dollars, according to reports.
Hunter Biden is also a favored target of former President Donald Trump. The Trump camp has long criticized Hunter Biden's economic interests in Ukraine and China during his father's tenure as Vice President under Barack Obama (2009-2017). He is also under a federal investigation concerning potential tax evasion. In a book published last spring, the president's youngest son recounted his struggle with drug and alcohol addiction.
