Hunter Biden Seeks to Drop Lawsuit Amid Deepening Financial Hardship
Hunter Biden has formally asked a federal judge to dismiss his ongoing lawsuit against Garrett Ziegler, a former aide to Donald Trump, citing overwhelming financial difficulties that have made continuing the legal fight untenable.
The lawsuit, initiated in September 2023, accuses Ziegler and his group, Marco Polo, of illegally publishing a massive trove of emails allegedly linked to Biden — material sourced from a laptop that has been at the center of political controversy.
However, Biden’s legal team filed a motion Wednesday in California federal court explaining that escalating money troubles are forcing a pause.
Financial Struggles Force Legal Retreat
According to court documents, Biden is grappling with a severe drop in income coupled with millions in debt.
His financial situation deteriorated sharply after devastating wildfires rendered his Pacific Palisades rental home unlivable for months, displacing him and severely limiting his ability to generate income or secure stable housing.
Biden’s attorneys urged U.S. District Judge Hernan D. Vera to dismiss the case so their client can focus on rebuilding his life: relocating his family, repairing his property, and managing household expenses take precedence over ongoing litigation.
Declining Revenue from Art and Memoir Sales
The filing highlights a significant downturn in Biden’s earnings from his primary income sources. Prior to the lawsuit, Biden was selling art regularly—averaging nearly 30 paintings a year at around $54,500 each. Since the legal battle began, he’s only sold a single piece for $36,000.
Similarly, sales of his memoir have sharply declined. Between April and September 2023, he sold over 3,000 copies, but the following six months saw sales drop to roughly 1,100.
Legal Background and Fallout
Ziegler, who served under Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro, had sought to dismiss the case early on, a motion the court denied. The judge later ordered Ziegler to cover approximately $18,000 in Biden’s legal fees.
Ziegler has publicly dismissed the lawsuit as “completely frivolous.” Biden, meanwhile, has faced multiple legal challenges, including a federal tax case and gun-related charges, though he received a presidential pardon from Joe Biden in December.
Looking Ahead
Hunter Biden’s request to end this particular lawsuit underscores the harsh realities he now faces. Burdened by debt, battling reduced income streams, and recovering from a natural disaster’s upheaval, his legal team argues that personal stability must take priority.
This development adds another chapter to Biden’s complex legal and personal journey—one marked by public scrutiny, legal hurdles, and an ongoing effort to regain footing amid relentless challenges.