Biden insists he will not pardon Hunter or commute his sentence
President Joe Biden said he would not commute his son Hunter Biden after he is sentenced for his three felony convictions tied to a 2018 gun purchase. Biden also repeated his vow not to pardon his son in his first public comments on Hunter since last week's conviction. Hunter could face up to 25 years in prison.
He also said he was satisfied his son got a fair trial and reiterated his support for him. 'I'm extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He's one of the brightest, most decent men I know. And I am satisfied that I'm not going to do anything. I said I would abide by the jury decision. I will do that. And I will not pardon him,' Biden said. And he answered a simple 'no' when asked directly if he would commute Hunter's sentence?
The president made his remarks during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 meeting in Italy . Two of Hunter's daughters, Finnegan and Maisy, sat in the audience as Biden answered questions. Peter Neal, the husband of Naomi Biden, was also in the audience.
Naomi Biden is on the trip but stayed behind closed doors amid speculation she is pregnant. 30-year-old Naomi testified at Hunter's trial . It's unclear what punishment Hunter will get as a first time offender. The date of the sentencing is in October. He could get a suspended sentence, jail time, house arrest or community service.
Aides are reported to be worried about the toll of the trial on President Biden, who is close to his son and said to continuously worry about him. Hunter Biden has grappled with addiction issues for years. The trial revealed some of the family's darkest moments as they dealt with Hunter's drug use.
Biden has said he will not use his power as president to pardon his son and has been careful to distance himself from the Justice Department case. He released a statement of support after Hunter's conviction. Hunter was convicted on three counts of lying on a government form about his drug use in his purchase of handgun in 2018.
'As I said last week, 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. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery.'
Hunter Biden also faces a second trial in September, this time on tax charges. Biden's stay in Italy will be brief. He arrived late Wednesday night and departs on Friday evening where he'll head straight to Los Angeles for a campaign fundraiser with George Clooney, Jimmy Kimmel and Julia Roberts.
Hunter Biden also lives in Los Angeles. It is unclear who is paying for the Biden family members to travel alongside the president to the high-stakes meeting abroad, but on previous foreign trips on board Air Force One family members have paid their way.
Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Visit our profile page and hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.
