Hunter Biden claimed in a new interview that his father, Joe Biden, was taking Ambien, a prescription sleep aid, in the days leading up to his widely criticized debate performance against President Donald Trump in June 2024.
Speaking to journalist Andrew Callaghan in a video published Monday—exactly one year after Joe Biden abruptly exited the 2024 race—Hunter offered a rare inside look at what he claims happened behind the scenes.
“He’s 81 years old, he’s tired as s—, they give him Ambien to be able to sleep,” Hunter said.“He gets up on the stage and he looks like he’s a deer in the headlights.”
Hunter Biden suggests his father was drugged up before the infamous CNN debate: “He flew around the world. He’s 81 years old. He’s tired. They give him Ambien to be able to sleep and he gets up on the stage and looks like a deer in the headlights.” pic.twitter.com/if6rmmuTMP
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) July 21, 2025
A Turning Point in the 2024 Race
Biden’s June debate performance raised immediate alarm among Democrats and voters alike. He stumbled, gave meandering answers, and appeared frail and unfocused. His raspy voice and lack of clarity led to questions about his cognitive fitness and whether he was up for another four-year term.
At the time, Biden’s campaign staff blamed a “cold.” Biden himself cited jet lag from two trips to Europe earlier that month. However, he had returned to Washington nearly two weeks before the debate.
Hunter’s remarks are the first public confirmation from someone close to Biden that he was taking Ambien during that time.
Fallout and GOP Investigation
A little over a month after the debate, Joe Biden dropped out of the race, clearing the path for Kamala Harris to secure the Democratic nomination. Republicans have since launched a House Oversight investigation into Biden’s mental acuity during his final year in office.
As part of that probe, three key Biden staffers have been called to testify:
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Annie Tomasini, Biden’s deputy chief of staff
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Anthony Bernal, top aide to Jill Biden
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Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s White House physician
All three have invoked their Fifth Amendment rights, refusing to answer questions during closed-door depositions.
While invoking the Fifth is legal, critics argue it suggests those close to Biden may be shielding sensitive information about his fitness for office during a critical time for the country.
