Biden addresses the National Bar Association gala following Hunter’s disbarment

Biden to Speak at National Bar Association’s Gala

Former President Joe Biden is set to deliver a speech on Thursday at the National Bar Association’s 100th annual gala, which will take place at the Hyatt in Chicago. This comes about two months after his son, Hunter Biden, agreed to a voluntary refusal stemming from issues related to drug use and gun law violations.

Biden’s address is expected to be a significant highlight of the event, although the overall keynote speaker will be Kevin Warren, the CEO of the NFL’s Chicago Bears.

The event will feature several prominent black lawyers, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Nevada Attorney General, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and MSNBC commentator Joy Reid, along with New York Attorney General Letitia James.

President Wiley Adams of the National Association of Bar Associations praised Biden’s commitment, stating that “President Biden’s life and leadership reflects an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and a commitment to justice for all.” He noted that having the 46th President attend this gathering holds historical significance and underscores the ongoing battle to uphold democracy.

The National Bar Association, which originally formed in Iowa when the American Bar Association excluded black lawyers, boasts around 66,000 members dedicated to defending civil rights and ensuring equitable access to the legal profession.

In a statement, the National Bar Association emphasized that Biden’s presence at the gala highlights his ongoing efforts to reinforce the rule of law and support marginalized communities.

Interestingly, the president will take the stage amid recent public scrutiny involving his son. In early July, Hunter Biden participated in a revealing interview from Delaware, where he criticized various Democrats, including former President Trump, and opened up about his past struggles with crack cocaine addiction.

During the same timeframe, a gun registered to Hunter was discovered in a trash can near a school in Greenville, Delaware. It was found by Hallie Biden, the widow of the late Delaware Attorney General Joseph Beau Biden III and Hunter’s girlfriend at the time, leading to its disposal.

A Delaware resident, Edward Banner, came across the gun while searching through the trash for a bottle deposit. He later testified regarding the incident.

Regarding his firearm registration, Hunter Biden had previously claimed in official documents that he was not actively using controlled substances. However, in June 2024, a federal judge in D.C. signed an order suspending his law practice licenses.