The White House reiterated on Friday that President Biden would not pardon his son Hunter Biden if he is convicted of a crime.

When asked if Biden would commute his son’s sentence if convicted on gun charges, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said no. This marks the first definitive answer the administration has given since Hunter Biden was formally charged on Thursday, though a similar message was first floated in July.

“I’ve answered this question before,” Jean-Pierre said, referencing the July briefing. “It was asked of me not too long ago, a couple of weeks ago, and I was very clear, and I said no.”

Hunter Biden was indicted on three felony gun charges, alleging that the younger Biden illegally purchased a gun while on drugs. The charges could carry a 10 year sentence if convicted.

His attorney has denied the charges, and said their constitutionality is “very much in doubt”

“It is a unique and unjustified charge. Hunter owned an unloaded gun for 11 days,” attorney Abbe Lowell said Thursday. “There has never been a charge like this that has been brought in the United States.”

The president’s son is also under investigation by a federal special counsel for alleged tax misconduct and by a Republican House investigation into prior business deals.

Special Counsel David Weiss stated in court filings that he intends to finalize charges related to the tax misconduct by the end of the month.

Republicans allege that Biden used his position to garner lucrative deals for his son. Members of the House GOP have used the claims to push for an impeachment inquiry against the president.

  • Rapidcreek@reddthat.com
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    1 year ago

    “If Joe pardons Hunter, then he’s a terrible father for not teaching his son to take responsibility for his actions. And if Joe doesn’t pardon Hunter, then he’s a terrible father for not showing his son unconditional love and understanding.”

    Coming soon from Fox or NYT near you…

    • BrianTheeBiscuiteer@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Oh, I heard pretty much the same thing on on local radio. I think they all get the same newsletter that tells them what their talking points should be.

      • saruwatarikooji@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        You’re not far off… Basically any news outlets with any ties to murdoch get a script for what they have to say.

        There was a YouTube video not long back that pulled clips from a bunch of local news stations and showed how they were all saying the exact same thing almost verbatim… It started cutting between them in succession and the report was still coherent.