Hunter Biden and comedian Rosie O'Donnell were both seen leaving a popular restaurant in Malibu -- close on the heels of one another -- on Thursday evening, a sighting that stirs interest amid growing calls for President Joe Biden to step down.

The first son's departure from the eatery occurred as President Biden faces increasing scrutiny from Democrats and celebrities following his recent debate performance gaffes during last week's NATO summit, as Fox News reports.

Hunter Biden, 54, was spotted leaving Nobu, a trendy hotspot beloved by celebrities. The timing of this sighting, just hours before President Biden's scheduled NATO summit remarks, drew considerable attention.

Shortly after Hunter Biden exited the restaurant, O'Donnell was seen leaving the eatery wearing casual shorts. Observers noted that Biden opted for a dress shirt and khakis during his outing.

Rosie O’Donnell’s Calls for Biden to Step Down

It remains unclear whether Hunter Biden and O'Donnell met while inside the restaurant. Notably, O'Donnell has been vocal about her opinion that President Biden should end his reelection bid.

O'Donnell, known for her outspoken views, recently posted on Instagram, urging, "Joe Biden- thank u for all u have given our country - time to pass the torch - now- and for God's sake Democrats, GET IT TOGETHER b4 it's too late."

Responding to a comment on whether Biden should run, she said, "I believe we will have a better chance to defeat Trump with another candidate." When a user suggested the debate was not a call to replace Biden, she replied, "It's time."

Pressure Mounts from Celebrities and Donors

High-profile figures such as author Stephen King and actor George Clooney have also joined the chorus urging President Biden not to pursue reelection. King expressed his thoughts on X, emphasizing that although Biden has been a commendable leader, the time has come for him to step aside.

"Joe Biden has been a fine president, but it's time for him - in the interests of the America he so clearly loves - to announce he will not run for re-election," King wrote.

Clooney, in a New York Times opinion piece, lauded Biden’s character and accomplishments but stressed that age is an unbeatable adversary. He recounted his recent interactions with Biden, contrasting them to previous impressions.

Biden's NATO Summit Gaffe

"The Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020," Clooney noted, adding the president seemed different during the recent debate.

As President Biden participated in the NATO summit in Washington, D.C., he faced fresh criticism after a notable gaffe. Introducing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Biden mistakenly referred to him as "President Putin."

He quickly corrected himself, adding, "He’s going to beat President Putin. President Zelenskyy. I’m so focused on beating Putin," while emphasizing the importance of the issue.

Reactions to President Biden’s NATO Summit Performance

The White House termed Biden’s subsequent press conference as the first "big boy" press conference of the year. This attempt came as part of a broader strategy to rehabilitate his public image post-debate.

President Biden has publicly committed to remaining in the race and is expanding his schedule of public appearances to counter doubts about his readiness for another term.

His renewed focus on public engagements aims to reassure voters and dispel concerns about his stamina and clarity.

Conclusion and Summary

In conclusion, as Hunter Biden and Rosie O'Donnell were sighted leaving Nobu in Malibu, questions loom over the potential meeting between them amid O'Donnell's active encouragement for President Joe Biden to step down.

Biden faces mounting pressure from notable figures such as Stephen King and George Clooney, who acknowledge his contributions while signaling it may be time for new leadership.

In the wake of a NATO summit blunder, Biden is increasing his public appearances to rebuild his image, with continued debate on his suitability for another term.