Here’s what voters should know…
In a recent statement from the White House, it was made clear that President Biden has no intention of intervening in the legal proceedings against his son, Hunter Biden, even if it results in imprisonment. This announcement came as a clarification after speculations arose last week about the president considering such a possibility.
During a press briefing, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, confirmed that President Biden has dismissed any notion of granting a pardon, commutation, or reduced sentence for Hunter Biden. This stance was reiterated by the president himself during a press conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 summit in Italy, marking his first public comment on the issue.
The president’s remarks followed the conviction of his son on June 11 for federal gun felonies, which could potentially lead to a 25-year sentence. Despite the gravity of the situation, President Biden has remained firm in his decision not to exercise his clemency powers to alter his son’s sentence.
The White House’s position was further emphasized by Jean-Pierre when she referred to President Biden’s earlier comments to ABC News, avoiding direct answers to inquiries about the possibility of commuting Hunter Biden’s sentence. She noted that the president had not been consulted since the verdict and that sentencing had not yet been scheduled.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles extend beyond the gun charges related to his purchase of a firearm in 2018. He is also facing a separate federal trial set to begin on September 5 in Los Angeles, concerning allegations of tax fraud amounting to $1.4 million between 2016 and 2019.
Historically, presidential pardons have often been controversial and typically reserved for the final moments of a presidency. While there is a precedent of presidents pardoning family members, such as Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, President Biden has expressed his commitment to allowing the legal process to unfold without his interference.
The president’s resolve is seen as a contrast to the actions of his predecessor, Donald Trump, who has faced legal challenges of his own. As the legal narrative continues to develop, the Biden family faces scrutiny over Hunter’s past dealings and the potential implications for the president, who has been linked to his son’s business associates during his tenure as vice president. Despite these challenges, President Biden maintains a stance of non-intervention, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the rule of law.
