Joe Biden ‘proud’ of son Hunter amid China deal questions, federal probe

In his first public appearance since news broke that his son Hunter was under federal investigation, President-elect Joe Biden on Friday brushed off a reporter’s shouted question, saying only, “I’m proud of my son” — and wouldn’t say if he is innocent.

Biden was asked about the probe while leaving a news conference in Wilmington, Del.

“Did Hunter Biden commit a crime? Have you spoken to your son, Mr. President-elect?” a reporter shouted.

Biden, who was walking away and didn’t turn around, said only, “I’m proud of my son.”  

On Wednesday, Biden’s transition team unexpectedly released a statement in which Hunter Biden said his lawyer was told a day earlier that the Delaware US Attorney’s Office was “investigating my tax affairs.”

Another statement, attributed to the “Biden-Harris Transition,” said Joe Biden “is deeply proud of his son, who has fought through difficult challenges, including the vicious personal attacks of recent months, only to emerge stronger.”

That remark appeared to reference exclusive Post reports from October that exposed information from emails and other documents stored on a laptop computer that the FBI seized from a Wilmington repair shop.

Among other things, The Post revealed that Hunter Biden introduced his dad to a top executive at a Ukrainian energy company that paid him a reported $50,000 a month and that he also pursued lucrative deals involving a Chinese energy company.

Reports have said that the feds began investigating Hunter Biden in 2018 and that investigators are focused on his business dealings in China.

The probe has reportedly involved the gift of 2.8-carat diamond that Hunter Biden acknowledged receiving from Ye Jianming, the since-vanished chairman of CEFC China Energy Co., following an introductory business dinner in Miami.

Emails revealed by The Post show the gem was a sticking point during his divorce from Kathleen Buhle, who estimated it was worth as much as $80,000.

Last year, Hunter Biden told the New Yorker that he gave the gem to a pair of unidentified associates who were present during the dinner.

He also disputed its estimated value, which he put around $10,000.

Reports have also said the probe may be more extensive than Hunter Biden claimed in his statement, and may involve potential money laundering.

US Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and others have called for a special counsel to take over the investigation.