MSNBC host and former White House press secretary Jen Psaki previously claimed in June that President Biden would not pardon her son because he believes in the U.S. justice system.
“His decision not to pardon his son is one of principle and does not in any way suppress or preclude what his son has gone through and continues to go through,” Psaki said. He said this on June 16, the same week that his son was pardoned. He was convicted on federal firearms charges, but his father reiterated that he would not forgive him.
But Biden announced on Sunday, weeks before he leaves office in January, that he would actually pardon his son, completely reversing previous promises.
Biden pardons son Hunter Biden before leaving Oval Office
The June 16, 2024 program will feature MSNBC host and former Biden White House press secretary Jen Psaki. (MSNBC)
“Because the justice system that convicted my only surviving son is the same justice system he was sworn to protect,” Psaki continued in the June corner. “If this doesn’t tell you who Joe Biden is, I have no idea what does.”
“Joe Biden's character as a public servant was the driving force behind making it clear that the law applies to everyone,” Psaki said of Biden.
President Biden has repeatedly said he would not pardon Hunter and would respect the outcome of the legal proceedings regarding his son.
“I'm very proud of my son Hunter,” Biden said in a speech shared on Psaki's show. “He's one of the smartest, most decent people I know. I will abide by the jury's decision. I will, but I'm not going to forgive him.”
Hunter Biden was convicted in two separate federal cases earlier this year.
Lawmakers harshly criticize Biden's decision to pardon Hunter: 'Liar'
Hunter Biden pleaded guilty in September to federal tax charges, avoiding a trial for failing to pay taxes while spending lavishly on drugs, escorts, luxury hotel stays, clothing and other personal items. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Psaki argued in June that Biden's strength of character is evident in the way he treats his family.
“So Joe Biden is the guy who answers the phone every time his grandson calls,” Psaki said. “It doesn't matter what happens at any time.”
Hunter Biden pleaded guilty in September to federal tax charges, avoiding a trial for failing to pay taxes while spending lavishly on drugs, escorts, luxury hotel stays, clothing and other personal items.
The eldest son was convicted in June of three gun felonies for lying on a required gun purchase form that he was not using the weapon illegally or being addicted to drugs.
Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, arrives at the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington, Delaware, June 6, 2024. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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Since news of the pardon broke, supporters of President Biden in the liberal media have alternated between criticizing him for breaking his promise and defending his son for not exposing himself to the wrath of the incoming Trump administration's Justice Department. It's repeating.
Fox News' Greg Wehner and Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.
