If that settled matters between father and son, Hunter Biden’s activities struck many of the officials working on Ukraine policy as an unnecessary distraction, or worse. Yet few, if any, had raised the issue with Mr. Biden directly when it first arose. One person who briefly discussed the matter with Mr. Biden said he was anguished by his son’s personal problems and unsure how to help him recover. Mr. Hochstein, reflecting the concerns of State Department officials, including Mr. Pyatt, tried to get several of Mr. Biden’s aides to broach the subject with him in 2014. It is not clear how Mr. Biden responded; Mr. Hochstein did not disclose details of their interaction.

Source: International New York Times November 10, 2019 19:47 UTC