As corrupt as the day is long.
Paintings by Hunter Biden are expected to fetch up to $500,000 (£360,000) apiece at auction this autumn.
The president’s spokeswoman said “reasonable safeguards” had been applied to the upcoming sale.
But a former White House ethics chief said the arrangement was “very disappointing”.
The younger Biden’s business dealings in Ukraine, China and elsewhere have often been held up by Republican critics as a conflict of interest for his father, which both Bidens deny.
Hunter is currently facing a federal tax investigation, though he has said he is “100% certain” he will be cleared.
When asked on Friday about the White House’s reported role in the art sale, press secretary Jen Psaki said: “After careful consideration, a system has been established that allows for Hunter Biden to work in his profession within reasonable safeguards.