Hunter Biden’s legal hiring decision has reportedly put him at odds with White House staff, as his top lawyer is causing headaches among some of those involved in the first son’s legal cases.
The president’s son hired top Washington, D.C., lawyer Abbe Lowell in December to ratchet up the intensity of his legal approach, Axios reported Friday.
The hire comes as Biden is facing legal cases related to child support, Republican probes and a potential gun charge. Lowell’s addition to the first son’s team was a surprise to President Joe Biden’s lawyer Bob Bauer, who recommended another option — Josh Levy — to handle the GOP’s investigations, according to the outlet.
Lowell’s more aggressive approach could run counter to the White House’s attempt to stay clear of commenting on anything related to the first son.
His lawyers are also considering hiring ethics advisers to establish a legal defense fund, which has some top Democrats worried, Axios reported.
DUBLIN, IRELAND – APRIL 14: In this handout image provided by the Irish Government, US President Joe Biden departs Dublin Airport on Air Force One with his sister Valerie and son Hunter on April 14, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Julien Behal/Irish Government via Getty Images)
“For this fund to work, it must be extraordinarily transparent and even restrictive by prohibiting foreign citizens and registered lobbyists from contributing,” former Department of Justice spokesman Anthony Coley told Axios.
“Without these type of guardrails, the fund will be a legitimate headache for the White House,” Coley added.
The first son appeared in person for his paternity-related court hearing Monday in Arkansas. His legal team argued he did not have the funds to continue paying $20,000 a month in child support payments to his former flame Lunden Roberts. (RELATED: Hunter Biden Claims Poverty In Paternity Case Using One Of The Most Expensive Lawyers In Washington)
Roberts’ team argued that Biden is using “some of the most expensive lawyers on earth” — including Lowell who reportedly charges $855 per billable hour — to make his case.