White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that President Biden’s son Hunter Biden will not have “any conversations related to the selling of art” with prospective buyers, which was supposed to reassure those who were concerned about the idea that Hunter’s art would be used to bribe the president.
“We now know that Hunter Biden is going to be able to meet with prospective buyers at two art shows where his paintings are going to be on display later this year,” a reporter asked. “How does this square with the goal of keeping him in the dark about the buyers of his art as a means to prevent even the appearance of undue influence?”
“Well, this showing that was, that you’re referencing, was previously public. He’s not going to have any conversations related to the selling of art, that will be left to the gallerist, as was outlined in the agreement that we announced just a few weeks ago,” Psaki responded. “We believe this is a reasonable system that has been established that allows for Hunter Biden to work in his profession within appropriate safeguards. He’s not going to discuss anything related to the selling of art, and I would reiterate that the gallerist will be the only person who handles transactions or conversations in that vein and will reject any offer that is out of the ordinary.”
“Wouldn’t it be more transparent to just release the names of the buyers so that everyone would know who purchased this art and how much they paid?” the reporter suggested.
“Well, we won’t know who the buyers are,” Psaki responded. “Hunter Biden won’t know who the buyers are. The origin, I think, of this line of questioning, which is understandable, is about whether this would provide a situation for undue influence. But we won’t know who they are, so there’s no scenario where they could provide influence.”
“Couldn’t they just announce on social media that they bought a painting?” the reporter said.
“Again, I think we have set up a system, which we feel is appropriate, has appropriate safeguards,” Psaki responded. “We believe that Hunter Biden, just like any child of a president, should be able to pursue their professions and their passions. Any selling of the art would be through the gallerist.”
Biden Press Secretary Jen Psaki calls Hunter Biden's meeting with potential “anonymous” art buyers “reasonable” pic.twitter.com/c3ehNZ7cQq
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 22, 2021
