‘Kind of foul play’: Joe Biden defends his son Hunter in interview with Stephen Colbert

'I am not concerned about any accusations made against him. It's used to get to me'

President-elect Joe Biden has defended his son Hunter in an interview with A Late Show host Stephen Colbert, suggesting the investigation into his son’s tax affairs is a way of getting at him.

Mr Biden appeared in a pre-taped interview alongside his wife Dr Jill Biden due to air on Thursday night.

In a preview, shared with CBS Evening News, the president-elect says: "We have great confidence in our son. I am not concerned about any accusations made against him. It's used to get to me.

"I think it's kind of foul play," he continued. "Look, it is what it is. He's a grown man. He's the smartest man I know. I mean, in a pure intellectual capacity. As long as he's good, we're good."

"As a father, I understand that and I admire that," responded Colbert. "But I mean, in terms of your job as president, can you reach across the aisle to people who will be using this as an attack on you when it is such a personal attack, because it's about family?"

"But if it benefits the country, yes. I really mean it," concluded Biden.

Mr Biden's son is currently facing a criminal tax probe by federal prosecutors in the family's home state of Delaware.

Hunter Biden, who is a lawyer, has said in a statement that he "take[s] this matter very seriously".

He added that he was “confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisors".

The interview in its entirety was scheduled to air on Thursday (17 December) at 11.35pm ET / 10.35pm CT on CBS.