‘Real Time’: Hunter Biden Shoots Down Presidential Bid, Jokes “Check If I Relapsed” If He Ever Announces Run
Hunter Biden has ruled out any interest in running for US president, telling comedian Bill Maher on his show Real Time that if he ever did announce a campaign, people should assume he had relapsed. The remark, made during a Friday appearance, comes as speculation swirls around potential 2028 presidential contenders from both major parties, and underscores how central his recovery from addiction has become to his public identity.
Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden, explained that his public visibility stems from years of intense media scrutiny rather than political ambition, saying the "platform" built to criticise him during a difficult period remained available once attention moved on. He said he now uses that platform to support the estimated 50 million Americans struggling with addiction, adding that hearing from even one person who stayed sober because of his message makes his openness worthwhile. He marked seven years of sobriety in June, having previously faced intense scrutiny in 2020 after the New York Post published material from his personal laptop showing drug use.
- Hunter Biden jokes he'd only run for president if he'd relapsed.
- He made the comment on Bill Maher's Real Time show.
- Biden marked seven years of sobriety in June 2026.
New here? Start with this
Hunter Biden is the younger son of former US President Joe Biden and has spent years in the public eye, largely because of scrutiny over his past struggles with drug addiction and, separately, controversy around his business dealings, which became a major talking point during his father's presidency. He has spoken openly in recent years about his recovery from substance abuse.
Bill Maher is a well-known American comedian and television host whose show, Real Time, often features political figures and public personalities in wide-ranging, informal conversations. Speculation about who might run for US president in 2028 has already begun, even though the election is some years away, with various names from both major parties being floated in the media.
This matters because it touches on the overlapping themes of American politics, addiction and public life, and how the children of prominent politicians navigate scrutiny long after their parent leaves office.