Hunter Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden, has requested a judge to drop the lawsuit he initiated against Garrett Ziegler, a former White House aide. His reasoning? He claims he can no longer afford the legal expenses. In a declaration submitted on Wednesday, Hunter stated that his financial circumstances have deteriorated significantly since late 2023.
In 2023, Hunter Biden sued Garrett Ziegler, a former Trump White House aide, accusing him of breaching state and federal laws. The lawsuit alleges that Ziegler accessed and tampered with data from a laptop linked to Hunter. Additionally, the suit claims that Ziegler publicly admitted to hacking into Hunter’s iCloud account.
The case quickly drew public interest due to the sensitive nature of the alleged data and the involvement of high-profile figures. Hunter’s legal team argued that the actions not only violated his privacy but were also intended to harm his reputation and that of his father, President Joe Biden.
Why Does Hunter Want to Drop the Lawsuit?
Now 55 years old, Hunter Biden has stated that he can no longer afford to continue the legal battle. In his declaration, he disclosed that the anticipated legal expenses for the next two months alone would be more than he can manage financially.
Hunter Biden has requested the court to dismiss the case without prejudice, allowing him the option to refile the lawsuit in the future if his financial situation improves. For now, however, he appears to be prioritizing other expenses over pursuing the legal battle.
What Is Hunter Biden’s Net Worth?
Hunter Biden’s current net worth is unclear, but his financial stability appears to be uncertain. According to a 2023 indictment, his gross income in 2019 was approximately $1,045,850, though it has significantly declined since then.
In his declaration filed on Wednesday, Hunter stated that his primary sources of income come from selling his artwork and his memoir, Beautiful Things. Over the past two to three years, he sold 27 pieces of art at an average price of $54,481 each. However, since December 2023, he has sold only one piece for $36,000.
Declining Sales and Financial Struggles
Sales of Hunter Biden’s memoir have also dropped significantly. Between April 1 and September 30, 2023, he sold 3,161 copies, but in the following six months, only 1,100 copies were sold. These numbers indicate that his book-related income is rapidly dwindling.
Hunter had also hoped to secure paid speaking engagements and appearances, leveraging the positive reception of his artwork and memoir. However, those opportunities never materialized, further contributing to his financial struggles.
Why Is Hunter Biden Facing Financial Difficulties?
Hunter Biden’s financial troubles appear to stem from several factors:
- Declining Art and Book Sales: His primary sources of income—artwork and book sales—have seen a sharp decline, making it difficult to sustain his expenses.
- Legal Fees: He is involved in multiple civil lawsuits, and the mounting legal costs are putting additional strain on his finances.
- Debt: According to his declaration, Hunter has millions of dollars in debt and is unable to borrow more money to cover his expenses.
- Living Expenses: After the Pacific Palisades fire in January forced him out of his rental home, he has been searching for a new permanent residence, adding to his financial burden.
These combined challenges have made it nearly impossible for him to continue pursuing the lawsuit against Garrett Ziegler.
The Laptop Controversy
The lawsuit revolved around a laptop that has been a subject of controversy for years. Hunter accused Ziegler of accessing and tampering with sensitive data from the device, including private emails. Ziegler, however, denied any wrongdoing, claiming the information was already public. The ongoing debate has kept the laptop story in the spotlight, drawing attention from both critics and supporters of the Biden family.
By requesting to drop the lawsuit, Hunter may be attempting to put this chapter behind him, at least for now.
What Happens Next?
The decision now lies with District Judge Hernán D. Vera, who will determine whether to dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice. If granted, the case will be closed but could be reopened in the future.
Hunter’s financial situation also raises concerns about how he will manage other legal battles. In his declaration, he stated that he is assessing each case individually to determine which ones he can afford to pursue.
Additionally, Hunter is still dealing with the consequences of tax-related charges. In 2023, he was indicted on nine counts of tax violations, adding further financial and legal pressure.
Hunter Biden’s Response
In his declaration, Hunter explained that withdrawing the lawsuit is necessary so he can focus on more pressing concerns, such as securing a new home and covering his family’s living expenses. He described the impact of the Pacific Palisades fire as a significant setback and emphasized that relocation is now a top priority.
He also acknowledged that his income has “decreased significantly” and that falling sales of his art and memoir have made it difficult to stay financially stable. “As a result of this, I am not in a position where I can borrow money,” he stated.
Conclusion
Hunter Biden’s decision to drop the lawsuit against Garrett Ziegler highlights the extent of his financial difficulties. With declining art and book sales, mounting legal fees, and the costs of relocating, his financial troubles are far from over.
For now, his focus appears to be on survival—finding a stable home, managing debt, and deciding which legal battles are worth continuing. Whether he can recover financially remains uncertain, but at this moment, it seems that the lawsuit against Ziegler is a fight he simply cannot afford.
