US President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that he will not pardon his son Hunter or commute any potential sentence following Hunter’s conviction for lying about his drug addiction when purchasing a handgun.
Responding to questions at a G7 summit press conference in Italy, Biden firmly stated, “No,” when asked if he would consider commuting Hunter’s sentence. He added, “I’m extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction, he’s one of the brightest, most decent men I know. I said I’d abide by the jury decision. I will do that. I will not pardon him.”
Hunter Biden was convicted by a jury on Tuesday on three felony counts related to his 2018 purchase of a handgun while addicted to crack cocaine, marking the first criminal prosecution of a sitting US president’s child. Although Hunter faces a potential 25-year prison sentence, it is unlikely he will receive jail time as a first-time offender. Sentencing is expected in the coming months.
After the verdict, Biden expressed love for his son and respect for the jury’s conclusion. His remarks in Italy were his first public comments on the case.
The day before the press conference, Biden adjusted his schedule to travel to Wilmington, Delaware, where Hunter’s trial was held. Upon arrival, the President embraced his son warmly on the tarmac.
The conviction emerges as Biden prepares for a challenging re-election campaign against Donald Trump, who recently became the first former president convicted of a felony for violating election laws related to hush money payments.
