After a jury found Hunter Biden guilty on all three counts in his federal gun trial, President Biden was quick to issue a statement saying that while he’s the commander in chief, he’s also a father.
“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,” he said in a statement.
"As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal," the president added. "Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that."
While he has repeatedly said he would not pardon him, and did so again at a G-7 summit news conference on Thursday, a reporter followed up, wondering whether he would consider commuting his son’s sentence.
The president said “no” in response.
I asked Biden: Would you commute Hunter’s sentence?
— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) June 13, 2024
Biden: No
During the press conference he said: "I'm extremely proud of my son, Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He is-- he's one of the brightest, most decent men I know." @ABCWorldNews pic.twitter.com/iR7XvkaRdB
The statement came after White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre wouldn’t rule it out.
“What I’m saying is that the president – I have not spoken to the president about this and what I’m saying is that he was asked about a pardon, he was asked about the trial specifically and he answered it very clearly, very forthright,” Jean-Pierre said. “As we know the sentencing hasn’t even been scheduled yet. I don’t have anything beyond what the president said. He has been very clear about this.”