Joe Biden publicly acknowledges seventh grandchild for the first time
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Joe Biden has publicly acknowledged a seventh grandchild for the first time on Friday
Navy, 4, is the child of Mr Biden’s son, Hunter, who settled a years-long court battle over child support in June.
“This is not a political issue, it’s a family matter. Jill and I only want what is best for all of our grandchildren, including Navy,” Mr Biden said told People magazine.
The president said his son is working with the child’s mother to foster a relationship that is “in the best interests of their daughter, preserving her privacy as much as possible going forward”.
Speaking at an event at the White House in April, Mr Biden noted that he was “crazy” about his six grandchildren, adding that he spoke to them every day.
Some Republicans and Democrats have criticised Mr Biden’s past decision not to acknowledge his seventh grandchild.
Navy was fathered by Hunter, 53, with an Arkansas woman, Lunden Roberts, 32, in 2018.
Hunter Biden’s paternity was established by DNA testing after Ms Roberts sued for child support, and the two parties recently resolved outstanding legal issues.
The president’s son wrote about his encounter with Ms Roberts in his 2021 memoir, saying it came while he was deep in addiction to alcohol and drugs, including crack cocaine.
“I had no recollection of our encounter,” he wrote. “That’s how little connection I had with anyone. I was a mess, but a mess I’ve taken responsibility for.”
An attorney for Ms Roberts did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Hunter Biden has four other children, including a son, Beau, born by his wife Melissa Cohen in 2020. He was named after the president’s late son who died of cancer in 2015, leaving behind two children.
Mr Biden’s grandchildren have played a distinctive role in his presidency, often accompanying the president or first lady on trips and making regular visits to the White House.
The president has also credited his grandchildren with persuading him to challenge then-President Donald Trump for the White House in 2020.
