Joe Biden on Friday declined to comment on the legal troubles of his son, who was charged a day earlier by a federal judge with tax fraud in a case that could derail the president’s campaign for re-election to the White House next year, according to reports. AFP.

Wearing his usual sunglasses, the US president greeted the media as he left the White House for a trip to the West. But the Democratic leader didn’t mince words when reporters asked him if he believed his son was innocent.

Joe Biden is traveling to Nevada and California to publicize major rail investments and attend receptions for his re-election campaign.

But his campaign could be hurt by a second indictment against his son, this time accused of “participating in a scheme” that allowed him to avoid paying $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019.

The indictment says that during these years, 53-year-old Hunter Biden “spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle” – to finance drug use or enjoy the company of an “escort” – “instead of paying their taxes.”

The new charge means the president’s son, already charged with illegal firearms possession, could be tried twice next year as his father seeks re-election to the White House.

An awkward deal for the Democrat, who is preparing to face Donald Trump, his predecessor who has dominated the race for the Republican nomination and is embroiled in multiple lawsuits.

Republican members of Congress are also investigating the impeachment of Joe Biden over his son’s controversial foreign business dealings.

Having recovered from drug and alcohol addiction, Hunter Biden is now an artist. His father always denied his involvement in his son’s affairs, although he publicly supported him.