The discovery of cocaine in the White House has ignited a firestorm of speculation and controversy, further fueled by the Biden administration's unusual defense. The Secret Service investigation continues, with the identity of the individual responsible remaining elusive. The administration's response, however, has drawn sharp criticism and raised questions about transparency.
When pressed on whether President Biden or his son Hunter Biden owned the illicit substance, White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates invoked the Hatch Act. This legislation restricts federal employees from engaging in political activities while on duty. The seemingly irrelevant defense baffled legal experts and sparked a wave of online mockery.
The image shows President Biden with his son Hunter and other family members. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Attorney Bradley P. Moss expressed bewilderment at Bates' justification, suggesting alternative explanations for declining to answer, such as preserving the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Former Bush administration ethics chief Richard Painter echoed this sentiment, calling the Hatch Act invocation "the most ridiculous" he'd ever encountered. Painter emphasized the law's irrelevance to the cocaine incident, even hypothetically.
Richard Painter, former Bush administration ethics chief, criticized the White House's use of the Hatch Act defense. (CQ Roll Call/Getty Images)
Social media erupted with criticism, with many users questioning the administration's transparency and motives. Conservative commentators and journalists ridiculed the Hatch Act reference, highlighting its perceived absurdity in this context. Bates later clarified that his response was prompted by a direct comment from a declared political candidate, former President Trump.
Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around the identity of the cocaine owner. Online betting sites have listed Hunter Biden as a leading suspect, alongside other individuals, including celebrities and even fictional characters. While these odds offer a glimpse into public perception, they hold no evidentiary value.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is among the individuals listed by betting sites as a potential suspect in the White House cocaine incident. (Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
The Secret Service discovered the cocaine in the West Wing on Sunday, July 2nd, in a common area accessible to guests and staff. President Biden was not present at the time. The investigation is ongoing, and the administration has yet to provide a definitive answer regarding the substance's ownership.
