White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Wednesday refused to rule out the possibility that President Biden might commute the sentence of Biden’s son, Hunter, who was convicted yesterday in a criminal trial for purchasing a handgun in 2018.
In response to a reporter’s question about whether a commute to Hunter’s sentence was “on the table,” Jean-Pierre said he had not spoken to President Biden since the verdict was announced and that “the date for the sentencing has not even been set yet.”
“He’s made it very clear. We’ve made it very clear. You know, he loves his son. And he and the first lady love their son and support their son. I have nothing, absolutely nothing beyond that,” she added, referring to Biden’s interview with ABC News last week in which he said he accepted the court’s verdict and would not pardon Hunter.
“So you’re not ruling out the possibility of a reduction in the sentence?” another reporter asked Jean-Pierre.
President Biden reacts to son Hunter’s guilty plea in gun trial: ‘I’m a father too’
Joe Biden, left, with his son, Hunter Biden. The White House on Wednesday did not rule out the possibility that the president could commute whatever sentence his son receives. (Getty Images)
“What I’m saying is, the president was asked about a pardon. The president was asked specifically about the trial and he answered very clearly and candidly,” she responded. “I don’t know anything beyond what the president has said. The president has been very clear on this matter.”
Hunter Biden was convicted of making false statements regarding a firearm purchase, making false statements regarding information required to be kept by federally licensed gun dealers, and possessing a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.
The president’s son faces a combined maximum of 25 years in prison on the three charges, plus a maximum fine of $250,000 for each count and three years of probation, but because it is a first-time offense, Hunter Biden is unlikely to receive the maximum sentence when he is sentenced at a later date.
Biden blames Hunter’s conviction on his reelection
Hunter Biden leaves the federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday, June 11. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
“Rather than being disappointed by the outcome, I am grateful for the love and support I have received over the last week from Melissa, my family, friends and community. Recovery is possible by God’s grace, and I am grateful to experience that grace one day at a time,” Hunter Biden said in a statement after the verdict.
Prosecutors sought to prove that Hunter Biden lied in October 2018 on a federal firearms form, known as ATF Form 4473, by checking a box that said “no” when asked if he was an unlawful gun user or addicted to controlled substances. Hunter Biden bought the gun at a store in Wilmington called Star Quest Shooters & Survival Supply.
He pleaded not guilty in the case.
President Biden, left, and Hunter Biden, right, participate in the Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 1, 2024. (Michael Reynolds/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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“Jill and I will always offer our love and support to Hunter and the rest of his family,” President Biden said in a statement after the verdict. “No matter what, that will never change.”
Fox News’ Emma Colton and Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
