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Hunter Biden claims his father, former President Joe Biden, performed poorly in the June 2024 debate against Donald Trump due to extreme travel fatigue and the sleep aid Ambien. In a recent interview with YouTube creator Andrew Callaghan, Hunter defended his father’s mental acuity, saying, “He flew around the world—basically three times over. He’s 81. He’s tired as shit.”
According to Hunter, Biden was given Ambien to help him sleep during his intense travel schedule, which included two trips to Europe and a West Coast fundraiser just before debate prep at Camp David. “They give him Ambien to be able to sleep. He gets up on the stage and he looks like he’s a deer in the headlights,” he said.
Ambien, a prescription drug used to treat insomnia, has side effects that can impair cognition and coordination, especially in older adults.
Biden’s June 27 performance sparked widespread concern, as he frequently stumbled over his thoughts while debating then-Republican candidate Trump. The backlash was swift, with growing calls within the Democratic Party for him to step aside.
Less than a month later, Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race. Former Vice President Kamala Harris stepped in as the Democratic nominee but ultimately lost to Trump in the November election.
Following the debate, Biden attributed his underwhelming performance to jet lag. In the new interview, Hunter Biden criticized Democratic strategists and lawmakers who distanced themselves from his father, expressing frustration over what he saw as a lack of loyalty.
The White House has not commented on Hunter’s remarks. The controversy continues to stir debate over how age, health, and campaign schedules impact presidential candidates.
