News Digest

U.S. Vice President’s son discharged from Navy after failing cocaine test

Hunter Biden, the youngest son of U.S. Vice President - and possible 2016 presidential candidate - Joe Biden was discharged in February from the U.S. Navy reserve after testing positive for cocaine last year. The 44-year-old was selected for a commission in 2012 and assigned to a unit in Norfolk, Virginia to work in public affairs. Because of his age, Biden needed a waiver to serve, which was granted; Biden also was granted a waiver for a drug-related charge he received when he was younger. The vice president did not make a statement regarding his son’s exit from the Navy.

It was the honor of my life to serve in the U.S. Navy, and I deeply regret and am embarrassed that my actions led to my administrative discharge. I respect the Navy’s decision. With the love and support of my family, I’m moving forward.

Hunter Biden, in a statement through his lawyer

After his dismissal, Biden joined the board of a private Ukrainian gas company, just as his father and the Obama administration were working to wean Ukraine off Russian energy. At the time, the vice president’s office brushed aside questions about the arrangement by saying that the younger Biden was a “private citizen.” Hunter is also a managing partner at Rosemont Seneca Partners, an investment firm.