Who Is Navy Joan Roberts?
Navy Joan Roberts was born in August 2018, the product of a brief relationship between Hunter Biden and Lunden Roberts, an Arkansas native and former college basketball star. Roberts met Hunter while working as a stripper in Washington, D.C., reportedly at a club Hunter frequented. Their affair was fleeting, but its consequences were lasting.
Initially, Hunter denied having fathered the child. It wasn’t until a court-ordered DNA test in 2019 that he was forced to acknowledge paternity. This led to a child support battle, during which Hunter—who was living in a California mansion and reportedly earning significant sums from his art—claimed he was too broke to pay substantial support. Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of Roberts, and Hunter agreed to monthly payments.
The Biden Family’s Silence
For years, the Biden family didn’t just ignore Navy Joan—they effectively erased her. Despite being the president’s seventh grandchild, she wasn’t included in Christmas stockings at the White House or mentioned in speeches. President Biden, who often emphasizes the importance of family and frequently showcases his bond with his other grandchildren, conspicuously left Navy Joan out of the picture.
It wasn’t until July 2023—nearly five years after her birth—that Joe Biden publicly acknowledged her existence. “This is not a political matter, it’s a family matter,” the president stated in a carefully worded press release. Yet the lack of early acknowledgment raises questions about the Bidens’ commitment to the family values they so often champion.
Recently, reports surfaced that Hunter Biden spoke to Navy Joan via Zoom. While this represents the first known direct contact between Hunter and his daughter, it’s hard to see this as more than a calculated gesture amidst mounting public scrutiny. A single virtual meeting does not erase years of neglect or lack of involvement.
Hunter’s Role as a Father
Hunter Biden’s parenting record is, to put it mildly, inconsistent. While he maintains close relationships with his other children, Navy Joan has been the exception. Until the recent Zoom call, reports suggested that Hunter had never met his daughter. While this interaction may signal a change, critics argue it comes far too late to undo the damage.
During the child support proceedings, Hunter even sought to lower his payments, despite his lucrative art sales and connections. In 2023, he successfully negotiated a revised settlement that reportedly included turning over some of his paintings as part of the agreement—a move that underscores the surreal mix of privilege and denial that defines this story.
Lunden Roberts: The Mother Fighting for Her Daughter
Lunden Roberts, the mother of Navy Joan, has largely kept a low profile but has occasionally spoken out about her hopes for the Biden family to embrace her daughter. Described as a devoted mother, Roberts has emphasized that her fight isn’t about politics but about ensuring her child receives the acknowledgment and support she deserves.
Roberts recently defended President Biden’s pardon of Hunter, saying it reflected the love of a parent. But she has also expressed hope that this love will extend to Navy Joan. Despite her optimism, it’s difficult to overlook the lack of tangible action from the Bidens over the years, beyond the recent virtual meeting.
The Hypocrisy of the “Family First” Image
The Bidens have long marketed themselves as the quintessential American family. President Biden frequently speaks of his deep love for his grandchildren, going so far as to mention them in speeches and showcase their photos during public appearances. Yet the exclusion of Navy Joan starkly contrasts this image.
How does a family that claims to prioritize unity and inclusion justify ignoring a granddaughter for nearly five years? Even with the Zoom call, the inconsistency is glaring, especially when compared to the attention given to Hunter’s other children.
The Trump Family Contrast
While the Bidens struggle with acknowledging Navy Joan, the Trump family offers a contrasting example of familial pride and unity. At the 2020 Republican National Convention, Trump’s granddaughter Arabella Kushner delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting the family’s emphasis on connection and values. Trump has also been a hands-on father, instilling discipline and guiding his children away from pitfalls like drugs and alcohol—a lesson drawn from his brother Fred’s tragic battle with alcoholism. His consistent message to his children, “No drugs, no alcohol, no cigarettes,” has shaped a family narrative of public support and private values, starkly contrasting with the Biden approach.
What This Says About the Biden Legacy
The story of Hunter Biden and Navy Joan Roberts isn’t just about a wayward son or a disappointing father—it’s about accountability at the highest levels of public life. If Joe Biden can’t hold his son accountable for embracing his own child, what does that say about his ability to lead a nation?
The recent Zoom call is a small step, but it raises questions about sincerity. Is this a genuine attempt to foster a relationship, or is it a public relations stunt meant to offset criticism? Actions speak louder than words, and one video call does not make up for years of neglect.
Time to Step Up
The Biden family has an opportunity to rectify this situation, especially as President Biden’s time in office enters its final weeks. With just over a month remaining before his term ends on January 20, 2025—when Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated—President Biden should prioritize spending time with his granddaughter, Navy Joan. Beyond political optics, this is about doing what’s right as a grandfather and setting an example for his family.
Hunter Biden, too, must take responsibility and step up as a father. As the nation watches, the Bidens’ treatment of Navy Joan isn’t just a personal matter—it’s a reflection of their values. With Biden’s presidency soon behind him, dedicating his time to fostering this bond would be a meaningful way to demonstrate the empathy and family-first principles they so often espouse. It’s not too late to change the narrative and leave a legacy of reconciliation, even as his political chapter closes.
