🚨 Hunter Biden’s Shocking New Role at BASTA: Hero or Hypocrite?
Hunter Biden, the controversial son of former President Joe Biden, has just landed a jaw-dropping new job that’s setting social media ablaze. Announced in a candid interview with “Channel 5” podcaster Andrew Callaghan, Biden revealed he’s taken on the role of Director of Development at BASTA Universal, Inc., a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to fighting homelessness and defending tenants’ rights in Southern California. But here’s the kicker: “I’m here to save the day for LA’s most vulnerable… or am I?” Biden’s bold move into philanthropy has sparked a firestorm of debate, with some praising his intentions and others calling it a shameless publicity stunt. Is this a genuine act of service or a calculated ploy to polish his tarnished image? Let’s dive into the details and uncover what’s really going on.
In the interview, posted to YouTube on August 5, 2025, Biden didn’t hold back. “I just think there is such an opportunity to be of service right now – and not in, you know, some kind of melodramatic way,” he said, emphasizing the struggles of LA’s marginalized communities. “A lot of people are getting the s— beat out of them out there, right here in LA. And there is enormous opportunity for just normal people to do kind of heroic things.” His passion for helping those facing eviction and homelessness was palpable, but his choice of words and the timing of this career pivot have raised eyebrows. After years of legal battles, including a gun charge conviction in June 2024 and a subsequent presidential pardon from his father in December, many are questioning whether Biden’s new gig is a heartfelt mission or a desperate attempt to rewrite his narrative.
BASTA, founded in 2005, is no small player in the fight for tenants’ rights. With over 15 attorneys and four offices across Los Angeles, the organization has made waves by pioneering a strategy of taking eviction cases to jury trials, a right enshrined in California’s constitution. According to BASTA’s website, this approach has led to more jury trial victories in eviction cases than any other organization in Southern California. Biden’s role at BASTA Universal, a newer sister entity, focuses on assisting low-income tenants, including undocumented immigrants, in navigating eviction threats and securing their rights. “We’re the only group, at least in Southern California, that represents undocumented [tenants], and so we don’t take any federal money,” Biden stated, highlighting the group’s work with vulnerable populations like El Salvadoran and Ukrainian immigrants who face employment barriers due to fears of ICE raids.
But let’s cut to the chase: why is this news blowing up? For starters, Biden’s involvement with BASTA Universal has a twist that’s fueling the controversy. The organization’s co-founder, Bryan Sullivan, previously represented Biden in several failed defamation lawsuits, raising questions about whether this job is less about altruism and more about cozy connections. Critics on social media platforms like Threads are already tearing into the story, with some labeling it a “grift” and others speculating that Biden’s name is being leveraged to open doors for fundraising—potentially at the expense of BASTA’s mission. One user on Threads quipped, “Hunter’s saving the homeless? Or just saving his bank account?” The skepticism isn’t unfounded: Biden reportedly owes millions in legal fees, and BASTA’s nonprofit status was revoked by the California Secretary of State last year, adding fuel to the conspiracy theories.
On the flip side, BASTA Universal’s Director of Strategy, Daniel Bramzon, defended the hire, stating, “Mr. Biden is qualified for this role as Director of Development; he is smart, has experience in networking, and cares about the population we are trying to help.” Bramzon emphasized that Biden’s involvement could shine a spotlight on tenants’ rights, a pressing issue in a city where over 49,000 households face eviction annually. The organization’s track record is impressive, having secured $2.4 million in relocation assistance and waived $2 million in back rent for tenants in 2018 alone. Supporters argue that Biden’s high-profile status could amplify these efforts, potentially saving countless families from homelessness. “If you can keep someone in their apartment or their home, you obviously also [are] keeping somebody off the street,” Biden noted, underscoring the devastating impact of homelessness, especially on children.
Yet, the public’s reaction is anything but unified. Threads is buzzing with heated debates, with hashtags like #HunterBidenBASTA and #LAHomelessness trending as users dissect his motives. Some applaud his desire to serve, pointing to his comments about the struggles of immigrants and the need for “normal people to do heroic things.” Others, however, see it as a calculated move to dodge accountability for past scandals. The fact that BASTA Universal doesn’t accept federal funding—likely to maintain independence in representing undocumented tenants—has also sparked speculation about hidden agendas. Is Biden genuinely committed to the cause, or is this a convenient way to stay in the spotlight while sidestepping political fallout?
The controversy doesn’t stop there. Biden’s specific mention of Ukrainian and El Salvadoran immigrants has ignited discussions about immigration policy and nonprofit ethics. While BASTA’s focus on undocumented tenants is well-documented, some critics argue that Biden’s involvement could politicize the organization’s work, potentially alienating donors or drawing unwanted scrutiny. Others see it as a bold stand against anti-immigrant sentiment, especially in a state grappling with housing shortages and rising homelessness. Los Angeles, chosen by the Biden administration in 2023 as a key site for a federal initiative to reduce homelessness by 25%, remains a battleground for these issues, making Biden’s role all the more polarizing.
So, what’s the verdict? Is Hunter Biden a savior stepping up for LA’s most vulnerable, or is he a master manipulator using a nonprofit to clean up his image? The truth likely lies somewhere in between, but one thing’s for sure: this story is far from over. As Threads users continue to clash, with comments ranging from “This is redemption!” to “Same old Biden grift,” the debate is only heating up. Click the link to dive deeper into this explosive story and join the conversation that’s got everyone talking.