In a historic first for a child of a sitting US president, Hunter Biden is facing federal charges, including three gun-related counts currently being tried in court in Delaware. His father, President Joe Biden, has made it clear that he will not use his presidential power to pardon his son if he is convicted.
During an interview with ABC News anchor David Muir in Normandy, France, where Biden was commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the president was asked if he would rule out a pardon for Hunter. Biden's response was simple: "Yes." When asked if he would accept the outcome of the jury trial, he again replied, "Yes."
The White House had previously stated that Biden would not pardon his son. "I've been very clear; the president is not going to pardon his son," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters in December.
The criminal trial of President Joe Biden's son is heading into its final stretch as the defense tries to chip away at the prosecutors' case laying bare some of the darkest moments of Hunter Biden's drug-fueled past. | Click on the image to read the ful... https://t.co/7VZvM6UpCw
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In a statement when Hunter's trial started on Monday, Biden said: "As the President, I don't and won't comment on pending federal cases, but as a Dad, I have boundless love for my son, confidence in him, and respect for his strength. Our family has been through a lot together, and Jill and I are going to continue to be there for Hunter and our family with our love and support." First Lady Jill Biden has attended the trial most of this week, along with Hunter Biden's wife, Melissa Cohen-Biden, and various other family members.
Hunter Biden is also facing a separate trial in September on federal tax charges. While presidents have the power to grant pardons in federal cases, they cannot pardon state cases.
