Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, has recently embarked on a new career path amidst mounting legal debts, taking on the role of director of development at BASTA Inc., a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to eviction defense. His involvement comes at a time when he is reportedly grappling with legal fees exceeding $5 million, a consequence of various high-profile court cases and ongoing investigations.
In an exclusive interview with journalist Andrew Callaghan, Hunter Biden opened up about his work with BASTA, underscoring the organization's commitment to providing legal aid to vulnerable tenants, a group that includes illegal immigrants. The interview offered a rare glimpse into Hunter's public engagement since his legal convictions and subsequent presidential pardon.
"There’s such an opportunity to be of service right now...," Hunter stated, highlighting the critical need for support among tenants in Los Angeles, "and there’s an enormous opportunity for just normal people to do kind of heroic things..."
Co-founded by Bryan Sullivan, who also previously represented Hunter Biden in several unsuccessful defamation lawsuits, BASTA Inc. is now at the forefront of Hunter's latest public service efforts. Sullivan's dual role as the nonprofit's chief financial officer and Hunter's ongoing connection to him has attracted media attention as the president's son navigates his transition to public service while tackling his legal and financial challenges.
During the interview, Hunter emphasized BASTA's unique position as the sole organization in Southern California that offers legal representation specifically to undocumented immigrants facing eviction, a claim that sparked some controversy. "We don’t take any federal money," Hunter added, explaining the nonprofit's operational independence.
BASTA's mission extends beyond Central American tenants, with Hunter mentioning the organization's support for Ukrainian immigrants struggling to secure employment amidst fears of immigration raids and potential business disruptions. He outlined the ripple effect of their work: by preventing evictions, they also prevent homelessness among families and children.
However, the Daily Caller pointed out that while BASTA's focus is eviction cases, it is not the only group in the region offering legal assistance to migrants. Other nonprofit and legal aid organizations also provide services to undocumented migrants, including those detained or embroiled in labor disputes.
The spotlight on Hunter's legal tribulations intensified following reports by the New York Post, which revealed his request for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to cover his legal fees related to federal tax and firearms charges. It remains unclear if the DNC responded to his plea for financial assistance.
Kevin Morris, Hunter's primary financial benefactor, disclosed to House Republicans that the legal fees had reached a staggering $5 million. With Morris's funds dwindling, Hunter's financial prospects looked bleak, particularly as he faced upcoming criminal trials.
Hunter's legal woes culminated in a June 2024 conviction on gun-related charges, where he was accused of falsifying information on a federal form while purchasing a firearm. In a move that contradicted his prior public assurances, President Joe Biden pardoned his son in December 2024, sparking a wave of controversy and debate.
