Hunter Biden criticized CNN anchor Jake Tapper on July 22 during an appearance on The Don Lemon Show, calling him a "complete and utter a-hole" and accusing him of poor journalism. Much of his criticism centered on the 2025 book Original Sin, co-written by Tapper, which examined Joe Biden's age, health and the failed bid for another term. CNN defended Tapper, calling Biden's remarks "frankly ridiculous," and Tapper has not personally responded. The exchange has revived a long-running public feud between the two.
Hunter Biden Slams Jake Tapper on Don Lemon Show, Calls Him 'Complete and Utter A—Hole'
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Hunter Biden launched a blistering criticism of CNN anchor Jake Tapper during an appearance on The Don Lemon Show on July 22, mixing personal insults with objections to Tapper's reporting on President Joe Biden's 2024 re-election effort.
Biden said he had known Tapper for roughly 25 years before delivering a blunt assessment of the journalist's work and character. "I think that Jake is a complete and utter a-hole," Biden said (the profanity commonly censored in reporting). He added that Tapper was a "really poor journalist" and suggested he did not regard him as a decent person.
"I think that Jake is a complete and utter a-hole," Biden said on the podcast.
Much of Biden's anger centered on Original Sin, a 2025 book Tapper co-wrote with Alex Thompson that examined Joe Biden's age, health and the campaign's decision-making. The book suggested members of the former president's circle limited scrutiny of his condition; Hunter Biden rejected that portrayal during the interview and criticized Tapper's coverage of him, Jill Biden and his father.
CNN defended Tapper after the remarks. A network spokesperson described him as a respected journalist who has challenged powerful figures across party lines and called Hunter Biden's comments "frankly ridiculous." Tapper has not personally replied to the latest attack.
This is not the first public clash between the two. Hunter previously criticized Tapper over the anchor's commentary on Jill Biden's memoir and its depiction of Joe Biden's fitness during the 2024 campaign. Hunter has also made headlines for other controversial remarks, including comments about Washington Republicans and speculation about a possible 2028 political run.
What This Means
While the exchange is personal, it also highlights broader tensions between the Biden family and some of the journalists who have scrutinized the 2024 campaign. Whether viewed as a dispute over tone or reporting, the episode has reignited a longstanding feud and put renewed attention on questions about media coverage of the former president's campaign.
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