Hunter Biden has asked a federal judge to dismiss his lawsuit against former Trump aide Garrett Ziegler, citing financial hardship. Biden’s lawyers told the court that his income has significantly dropped, and he now faces millions in debt. The lawsuit, filed in 2023, claimed Ziegler illegally published emails from an alleged laptop belonging to Biden.

Biden’s attorneys said wildfires in Los Angeles left his rental home unlivable, disrupting his life and limiting his ability to work. They stated he is focused on finding housing and covering his family’s living costs, rather than continuing the legal battle.

Ziegler, who worked in the Trump administration, had earlier called the lawsuit “frivolous.” A judge previously ordered him to pay $18,000 in Biden’s legal fees. However, Biden now says he cannot afford to borrow money and is unable to rely on previous income sources.

Sales of Biden’s art and memoir have sharply declined. He sold only one painting since the lawsuit began and fewer books compared to the months prior. A legal defense fund he tried to launch also failed, adding to his financial strain.