Hunter Biden, in a lengthy interview with YouTuber Andrew Callaghan, alleged that his father, former President Joe Biden, took the sleep medication Ambien before the critical June 27, 2024, presidential debate against Donald Trump. Hunter described his father as “tired as s—” following extensive international travel, saying he was “given Ambien to be able to sleep,” which left him appearing like “a deer in the headlights” during the broadcast.
There is no public record confirming that Ambien was prescribed to Biden. It was also omitted from his annual physical report, which listed other medications. The medication, known for side effects like grogginess and memory impairment, raised questions about whether it contributed to Biden’s disoriented performance—a moment widely considered pivotal in his decision to withdraw from the race. He officially stepped aside in July, endorsing Kamala Harris, whose candidacy failed to gain traction.
During the same interview, Hunter Biden criticized prominent Democrats, including George Clooney, and denounced internal leaks challenging his father’s leadership. He defended Biden’s decision to step back from the campaign, attributing it to party cohesion rather than declining mental acuity.
Reactions remain mixed. Some experts argue the Ambien claim adds context to Biden’s performance, while others caution against drawing strong conclusions without official documentation. As Congressional Republicans pursue investigations into Biden’s medical disclosures, this allegation adds another dimension to ongoing debates about transparency and presidential fitness.
