Joe Biden Promises to Rule Out Pardon for Son if Convicted at Trial

In an interview on Thursday, US President Joe Biden said he would not pardon his son, Hunter Biden, if he is found guilty of federal gun charges. When asked by David Muir of ABC if he would consider pardoning his son, Biden clearly replied, “Yes,” meaning he would not pardon him.

He also stated that he would accept the outcome of the trial, which is taking place in Delaware, his home state. Hunter Biden is accused of illegally buying and possessing a gun while struggling with drug addiction, which is against federal law.

Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to the three charges brought by special counsel David Weiss, despite being open about his past battles with alcohol and crack cocaine addiction.

This trial is particularly hard for the Biden family. Hunter was dealing with addiction issues after his brother Beau’s death, and his stepmother, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, attended the trial before traveling to France for D-Day commemoration activities with the President.

The White House had previously stated that President Biden would not pardon his son. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had said in December, “The president is not going to pardon his son.” This situation is unprecedented, as it is the first time a sitting president’s child has been on trial.

Despite the legal troubles, President Biden has expressed his support for his son and pride in his recovery from addiction. He emphasized that while he cannot comment on federal cases as President, he supports his son as a father.

“I am the President, but I am also a Dad. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today,” the president said in a statement Monday as the trial was getting underway.“Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has brought to his recovery are inspiring to us. A lot of families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and know what we mean,” he went on. 

“As the President, I don’t and won’t comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support.”

This trial follows another significant legal case, where a New York jury found former President Donald Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to a porn actress.