President Biden has reportedly expressed concern about the spotlight his political career is bringing to his family and blamed his reelection campaign for his son Hunter Biden’s conviction on federal firearms charges.
“If I wasn’t running for reelection, he would have made a plea deal,” Biden reportedly told a person close to him earlier this month. Politico reported Tuesday. Biden’s original plea deal fell apart in July 2023.
Hunter Biden was found guilty of all three charges by a Delaware jury on Tuesday and faces up to 25 years in prison, but is not expected to receive the maximum sentence.
White House aides reportedly told Politico that the sentence would take an emotional toll on the president.
President Biden reportedly believes his reelection campaign prevented his son, Hunter Biden, from accepting a plea deal. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Hunter Biden found guilty on all charges in gun trial
The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Biden learned of his son’s conviction while preparing remarks on gun violence, and returned to his Wilmington, Delaware, home to meet with Hunter on Tuesday, according to Politico.
The president also said he would not pardon his son.
Biden, in an interview with ABC News’ David Muir in Normandy, France, before the conclusion of the federal trial, said he accepted the trial’s outcome and would not pardon Hunter if convicted.
Hunter Biden leaves the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The president’s son was convicted of making false statements regarding a gun purchase, making false statements regarding information required to be kept by federally licensed gun dealers, and possession of a firearm by an unlawful user or addict of a controlled substance.
Following the verdict, the president released a statement expressing his love and support, also noting his son’s well-known struggles with drug addiction.
“As I said last week, I’m president, but I’m also a father. Jill and I love our son and are so proud of the man he has become,” he said.
“I understand that many families who have had a loved one struggle with drug addiction feel a sense of pride as they see their loved one overcome their addiction and make a strong, persistent effort toward recovery. As I said last week, I accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Mr. Hunter considers his appeal,” the president added.
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Hunter Biden thanked the family in a statement after the verdict.
“Rather than being disappointed with the outcome, I am grateful for the love and support I’ve received over the last week from Melissa, my family, friends and the community. Recovery is possible by God’s grace and I am grateful to experience that grace one day at a time,” he said.
Fox News’ Joseph Wolfson and Brandon Gillespie contributed to this report.
