Hunter Biden Slams Clooney, Party Elites for Betrayal

Jul. 22, 2025, 1:51 pm ET

Instant Insight

30-Second Take

  • Hunter Biden unleashes sharp criticism against George Clooney and Democratic elites for urging his father to exit the 2024 race
  • Accuses party strategists of profiting from Democrats while failing to support Joe Biden’s campaign
  • Reveals deep divisions within the Democratic Party following President Trump’s election victory

+ Dive Deeper

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

Hunter Biden has publicly condemned George Clooney and other Democratic elites for pressuring his father to abandon the 2024 presidential race. The backlash follows Joe Biden’s withdrawal after a disastrous June 2024 debate performance against President Trump, which led to Kamala Harris’ unsuccessful nomination. Hunter accuses party insiders of prioritizing personal gain over loyalty.

Core Players

  • Hunter Biden – Son of President Joe Biden
  • George Clooney – Actor and former Biden fundraiser
  • Joe Biden – President (2021-2025)
  • Kamala Harris – 2024 Democratic nominee
  • James Carville – Democratic strategist
  • David Axelrod – Former Obama advisor
  • Anita Dunn – Democratic consultant

Key Numbers

  • 52 years – Joe Biden’s public service career
  • $40-$50 million – Anita Dunn’s reported earnings from Democratic work
  • June 2024 – Date of Biden’s critical debate performance
  • 2024 – Year of President Trump’s presidential victory

+ Full Analysis

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

Hunter Biden’s anger stems from George Clooney’s New York Times op-ed urging his father to exit the 2024 race. Clooney, who hosted a major Biden fundraiser, reversed course after President Trump’s June 2024 debate collapse against Donald Trump. This public pressure contributed to Biden’s withdrawal and Harris’ subsequent nomination loss.

Inside Forces

Hunter Biden accuses Democratic elites of abandoning his father when he needed support most. He specifically criticized:

  • James Carville: “Haven’t won a race in 40 years”
  • David Axelrod: “One success – Obama, and that was Obama’s doing”
  • Anita Dunn: “Made $40-$50 million off the Democratic Party”

Power Dynamics

Hunter Biden’s attacks reveal tensions between grassroots supporters and party insiders. While Clooney and other elites wield financial influence, Hunter argues their opinions carry little weight with everyday voters: “Do you think in Middle America, that voter in Green Bay, Wis., gives a s— what George Clooney thinks about who she should vote for?”

Outside Impact

The fallout highlights broader Democratic Party challenges:

  • Perceived disconnect between leadership and base
  • Questionable loyalty of high-profile donors
  • Strategic failures in 2024 campaign management

Future Forces

Key questions moving forward:

  • Will Democratic leadership address internal loyalty concerns?
  • How will party strategists rebuild trust with grassroots supporters?
  • What role will celebrity endorsements play in future campaigns?

Data Points

  • June 2024: Biden’s debate performance sparks withdrawal calls
  • July 2024: Joe Biden endorses Kamala Harris
  • November 2024: President Trump defeats Harris in general election
  • July 2025: Hunter Biden’s interviews reignite party tensions

Hunter Biden’s public rebuke of Democratic elites underscores the party’s ongoing struggle to reconcile establishment influence with grassroots priorities. As the 2028 election approaches, these internal divisions could shape how Democrats rebuild and compete against a President Trump-led Republican Party.