On Thursday, President Joe Biden stated that he would not utilize his presidential pardon authority if his son Hunter Biden is found guilty and that he would respect the jury’s decision in his criminal prosecution.
He and other dignitaries were attending a commemorative service to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal moment for the Allied troops in World War II, Biden discussed his son’s historic trial.
When asked if he would rule out a pardon for his son, who is being tried in Delaware on three federal gun-related crimes, Biden said, “Yes.”
Prior to this, the White House had declared that Biden would not pardon Hunter Biden, who is scheduled to go on trial in September on federal tax charges.
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In federal cases only, not state cases, can presidents pardon someone. In December, reporters were informed by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, “I have been very clear; the president is not going to pardon his son.”
“As the President, I don’t and will not comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength,” Biden said in a statement as the trial began on Monday.
Our family has experienced a great deal together, and Jill and I will always be there to love and support Hunter and our family.
The first lady, Melissa Cohen-Biden, the wife of Hunter Biden, and several other family members have been present at the trial for the majority of this week.
Biden also criticized former President Donald Trump for allegedly calling the case “rigged” and rejecting the verdict of a New York jury that found him guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records last month.
Biden claimed that Trump was attempting to “undermine” the legal system.
