File photo of President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden.
The President of the United States, Joe Biden has ruled out pardon for his son, Hunter if convicted on Federal Gun Charges
According to ABC News, President Joe Biden stated in an interview on Thursday that he would not issue a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, if he is convicted on federal gun charges
During the interview with David Muir of ABC, Biden was directly asked if he would exclude the possibility of pardoning Hunter. The president responded with a firm, “Yes.”
Biden also indicated that he would respect the trial’s outcome, which is currently ongoing in Delaware.
The trial has unearthed a difficult chapter for the Biden family, as it revisits a period when Hunter was grappling with drug addiction following the death of his brother, Beau.
Meanwhile, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden attended the trial before departing for France to join President Biden for D-Day commemoration events.
The White House had previously made clear that President Biden would not pardon his son. “I’ve been very clear; the president is not going to pardon his son,” said press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in December, 2023.
Hunter Biden faces accusations of illegally purchasing and possessing a firearm while struggling with drug addiction, a federal offense. He has pleaded not guilty to the three charges but has openly acknowledged his battles with alcohol and crack cocaine addiction. These charges were brought forth by special counsel David Weiss.
This marks the first instance in U.S. history where the child of a sitting president has faced trial.
President Biden has consistently expressed support for his son, highlighting his pride in Hunter’s recovery journey. “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,” Biden remarked in a statement on Monday as the trial commenced.
“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,” Biden continued. “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.”
The trial delves deeply into Hunter Biden’s past struggles, reflecting on a time when he was heavily affected by his brother Beau’s death. During this period, Hunter Biden developed a dependency on drugs, a fact he has been open about in various public statements and his autobiography.
Hunter’s legal troubles began when he was charged with lying on a federal form to purchase a firearm while being an unlawful user of, or addicted to, a controlled substance. This is a serious allegation under federal law, and the trial has garnered significant public and media attention.
Despite these challenges, President Biden has remained steadfast in his support for his son, distinguishing his roles as a father and the nation’s leader. His comments accentuate a personal narrative of family, struggle, and resilience that has been a recurring theme in his public life.
The presence of First Lady Jill Biden at the trial also confirmed the family’s solidarity during this difficult time. Her attendance at the trial, commemorations, highlights the balance the Bidens are striving to maintain between their public duties and private family matters.
