President Joe Biden on June 13 spoke about his son Hunter’s conviction in a federal gun trial, telling reporters that he accepted the guilty verdict and would not pardon or commute his son’s sentence.
Mr. Biden was found guilty of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, falsely claiming on his application that he was not a drug user at the time of purchase, and then unlawfully possessing the gun for 11 days.
President Biden addressed the issue during a news conference at the G7 summit in Italy.
“I’m extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He’s one of the brightest, most decent men I know,” he said.
“I am satisfied that I’m not going to do anything. I said I'd abide by the jury decision ... and I will not pardon him.”
As President Biden left the stage after a joint news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a reporter asked if he would commute Hunter’s sentence. The president turned to the crowd and said no as he shook Mr. Zelenskyy’s hand.
Presidents have the power to both pardon and commute—or lessen—federal sentences.
Hunter Biden still faces sentencing, but Judge Maryellen Noreika has not yet scheduled a date. She mentioned that pre-sentence reports in Delaware often take up to 120 days to process, which would put the sentencing in October, just before the general election.
President Biden said in a statement released on the day of his son’s guilty verdict that he remains proud of his son for battling addiction and being so “strong and resilient in recovery.”
“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,” he said.
While President Biden opted not to attend the trial in person, First Lady Jill Biden was present in between trips overseas with her husband. The president’s siblings, Valerie and James Biden, also attended the trial to support their nephew.
Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison, although first-time offenders typically receive less than the maximum sentence.
