US President Joe Biden stated in an interview on Thursday that he would not pardon his son, Hunter Biden, if he’s found guilty of federal gun charges.
When interviewer David Muir of ABC asked if he would rule out pardoning Hunter Biden, the president responded, “Yes.”
Biden also confirmed that he would accept the outcome of the trial, which is taking place in his home state of Delaware.
Hunter Biden is accused of illegally purchasing and possessing a firearm while using or being addicted to drugs, which is a federal offense.
He pleaded not guilty to the three charges, although he has been candid about his struggles with alcohol and crack cocaine addiction. The charges were brought forward by special counsel David Weiss.
The trial is a difficult ordeal for the Biden family, as Hunter Biden was battling drug addiction in the wake of his brother Beau’s death. Even First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Hunter’s stepmother, attended the trial before traveling to France to join her husband for D-Day commemoration activities.
“I’ve been very clear; the president is not going to pardon his son,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated in December.
This marks the first time in US history that the child of a sitting president has been on trial.
President Biden has previously expressed support for his son and pride in his recovery from addiction.
“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,” Biden said in a statement on Monday as the trial was beginning.
“Hunter’s resilience in the face of adversity and the strength he has shown in his recovery are inspiring to us. Many families have loved ones who have overcome addiction and understand what we mean,” he continued.
“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.”
The trial coincides with a New York jury’s return of 34 guilty counts against former President Donald Trump for falsifying business records in an attempt to cover up hush money payments to a porn actress.
