Hunter Biden’s controversial art career is once again making headlines, as insider sources revealed that his art was sold to Elizabeth Hirsh Naftali, a prominent Democratic donor who later landed a notable commission appointment by President Joe Biden.
Despite the President’s previous promises to prevent his family’s private interests from intertwining with his official duties, this recent incident is casting doubts on the “absolute wall” he pledged.
Hirsh Naftali, a prominent figure in California Democratic circles, has a history of donating to the Biden campaign and the Democratic National Campaign Committee, having given $13,414 and $29,700 respectively this year.
Her commitment to Democratic causes also led to her appointment on the Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad, a position she secured after purchasing Hunter Biden’s art.
The timing of this purchase, however, remains ambiguous.
Intriguingly, internal documents have uncovered that an anonymous buyer acquired a staggering $875,000 worth of Hunter Biden’s art.
Whether this anonymous buyer is Hirsh Naftali is unclear, and requests for clarification from both the White House and Hirsh Naftali have gone unanswered.
An official from the Biden administration, however, shared that Hirsh Naftali’s appointment came as a recommendation from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, stating there is no connection between her art purchases and her new role on the commission.
“Hunter Biden is a private citizen who is entitled to have his own career as an artist,” said Ian Sams, a White House spokesperson. “We are not involved in his art sales, and any buyers of his art are not disclosed to the White House.”
Bruce Weinstein, a professional ethicist, suggested the timing of Hirsh Naftali’s purchase could raise significant ethical concerns: “If it was done after her appointment, and she likes the painting, it’s less of an issue. It’s more of an issue if she’s deciding to buy it beforehand. Then it might be perceived as a quid pro quo.”
Insider documents hint that Hunter Biden might have had some sway over commission appointments, as an email suggests he influenced the appointment of his business associate, Eric Schwerin.
However, Georges Bergès, Hunter Biden’s gallerist, maintained that buyers’ identities are strictly confidential.
The question of whether this is an ethics violation remains open.
As Kedric Payne, general counsel at the Campaign Legal Center, explains, “Legally, you might not have a problem. But with the appearance, it’s a lot to try and explain.”
