Hunter Biden Floats 2028 Run — But Only as VP
Hunter Biden has jokingly suggested he would run in the 2028 presidential election — but only as vice president alongside California Governor Gavin Newsom. The exchange happened during an episode of Newsom's podcast 'This is Gavin Newsom' in early June 2026, according to a report by TMZ.
When Newsom floated the idea of Biden as a potential running mate, Biden replied that he would accept the VP slot but not the top of the ticket. 'I'd do it, but only as VP,' he said, laughing. The exchange was prompted by President Donald Trump's recent remarks that Hunter Biden 'could do well' in a 2028 White House bid.
Trump's Mocking Comment Behind the Joke
Earlier in June, Trump had quipped during an Oval Office media conference that Hunter Biden could mount a successful presidential campaign, adding that his record is 'not the greatest' but that modern politics has lowered the bar for success. The comment, reported by Sky News Australia, was widely seen as a dig at Democratic candidates.
Hunter Biden took the remark in stride. On the podcast, he also defended Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who has faced criticism for controversial statements. According to Politico, Biden said Platner was 'getting a raw deal' and pushed back against the criticism.
Newsom's 2028 Calculations
Gavin Newsom has long been considered a potential Democratic frontrunner for 2028. But his path is far from clear. California's ongoing wildfire crises and other state challenges have dented his approval ratings, as Newsweek reported earlier. His previous criticism of Joe Biden for pardoning Hunter in December 2024 also complicates the picture. At the time, Newsom said he 'took the president at his word' and expressed disappointment, the New York Post noted.
Polls show a tight hypothetical matchup between Newsom and Vice President JD Vance. A January 2026 survey by Newsweek found that both would draw significant undecided voters. Other Democrats like former Vice President Kamala Harris and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are also frequently mentioned.
A Joke with a Bitter Aftertaste
The idea of Hunter Biden on a presidential ticket remains far-fetched. His legal troubles, including a conviction on federal gun charges and ongoing investigations into his business dealings, would be massive liabilities. When the podcast clip was shared online, it generated over 61,000 reactions and nearly 15,000 comments — many of them mocking the suggestion.
Still, the podcast moment highlights the Democratic Party's search for a compelling ticket in 2028. Whether Newsom can rally the party and who he might choose as a running mate — if he runs at all — remains an open question as the early maneuvering begins.
