US President Joe Biden declined to comment on the prosecution of his son, who is accused of tax evasion – a case that could hurt the Democratic candidate’s campaign for a second consecutive term in the White House.

Wearing sunglasses, the US president greeted reporters as he left the White House for a tour of western states. He didn’t say a word, though, when reporters asked him if he believed in his son’s innocence.

Joe Biden is traveling to Nevada and California to pitch major rail investments and attend campaign events.

The new prosecution against the son of the US president means that 53-year-old Hunter Biden – who is already charged with illegal gun possession – could be tried twice next year as his father continues to campaign.

Hunter Biden is accused of evading $1.4 million in taxes in the three years 2016-2019, during which he “spent millions of dollars on reckless waste” — from drugs to luxury escorts — “instead of paying his taxes,” according to the indictment.

An embarrassing case for the Democratic US president as he prepares to face off again against Donald Trump – who is seen as the favorite for the Republican nomination despite his court adventures.

Republicans, who control the House of Representatives, began an investigation in September to impeach the Democratic president in the Senate over his son’s controversial foreign dealings.

After recovering from drugs and alcohol, Hunter Biden has been painting lately. His father always denies any involvement in his son’s affairs and publicly defends his innocence.