Jill Biden Says It’s Hunter’s ‘Time to Shine’ — What’s Coming?

Former first lady Jill Biden praised her son Hunter’s recent media appearances as his “time to shine,” comments that have intensified questions about possible political ambitions.

Speaking on Jamie Kern Lima’s podcast, Jill Biden responded to questions about Hunter’s “explosion” of interviews. “We’re just so proud of him, that he can be so honest and say things other people won’t say, and feel comfortable with it, because he’s been through it,” she said. “I think now is Hunter’s time to shine. He’s doing really good things.”

She described hearing Hunter’s memoir played in court during his trial as “heartbreaking,” adding, “it’s amazing how things have turned around. So you see, I do believe a lot of times that good things come from bad things.”

Hunter has made the rounds on NPR’s “Newsmakers,” Gov. Gavin Newsom’s podcast, Don Lemon’s show, Barstool Sports’ “Macrodosing,” and others, discussing his addiction struggles and family matters. On the Barstool podcast, the host suggested Hunter’s reception looked “of somebody that wants to run.” Hunter replied, “I’m definitely not running for anything,” while joking that an endorsement might change his mind.

He has also spoken about his father’s 2024 debate performance, attributing the “deer in the headlights” appearance to an undisclosed Stage 4 cancer diagnosis later revealed. Critics such as Newsbusters’ Curtis Houck dismissed the tour as a “cry for help or a plea for attention,” arguing that the interviews reveal more about past media protections of the Biden family than any genuine public interest. Jill Biden’s endorsement of the moment has only fueled conservative skepticism about what comes next for the Biden family brand.