Hunter Biden says his father, former United States President Joe Biden, is experiencing significant pain as prostate cancer continues to spread through his body, describing the illness as debilitating for the 83-year-old and difficult for his family to witness.
Speaking in a wide-ranging BBC Newsnight interview broadcast late Friday, the younger Biden said the cancer had metastasized into his father’s bones and beyond, while the former president continues to speak publicly about issues important to him.
Joe Biden disclosed in May 2025 that doctors had diagnosed an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had already spread to his bones.
Hunter Biden also addressed his father’s performance during the June 2024 presidential debate against Donald Trump, which intensified concerns about the then-president’s age and ability to continue his re-election campaign.
He said he watched the debate alone at his home in California and was shocked by his father’s appearance, immediately sensing that something was wrong.
Hunter Biden said the behavior was unusual and suggested his father’s cancer, diagnosed approximately nine months later, may have contributed to the performance.
Joe Biden subsequently withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, and Trump went on to win the election and return to the White House.
Despite his illness, Hunter Biden said his father remains publicly engaged and continues speaking about matters he considers important.
The former president is also expected to publish his memoir, “Promise Me, America,” after the midterm elections.
The interview also revisited Joe Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter after his son was convicted of three federal gun felonies and separately pleaded guilty to federal tax charges in 2024.
Joe Biden had previously pledged not to pardon his son but reversed course in December 2024, granting Hunter a full and unconditional pardon covering actions dating back to 2014.
Hunter Biden acknowledged that the decision was controversial and open to criticism, including questions about its implications for his father’s legacy and the Constitution.
He nevertheless argued that his father’s concerns about potential political retribution under Trump had subsequently been validated.
The discussion linked one of the Biden presidency’s most disputed final decisions with the family’s current focus on the former president’s worsening health.