White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to say whether President Joe Biden would commute Hunter’s prison sentence if he is sentenced.
On Wednesday, Biden, Jean-Pierre, reporters and others boarded Air Force One to fly to Italy for the G7 summit just 24 hours after his eldest son, Hunter Biden, was convicted of three felony counts related to a firearm purchase in October 2018. He faces up to 25 years in prison, but because this is his first conviction, he is unlikely to receive the maximum sentence.
“I was asked to do this just recently, a few weeks ago. I flat out refused.”
During an airborne press conference, Jean-Pierre was asked two questions about the possibility of commuting Hunter Biden’s sentence.
In his defense, Jean-Pierre pointed out that Hunter’s sentencing hearing has not even been scheduled yet, and reiterated the deep and abiding love the president and first lady have for Hunter. Finally, he noted that Biden has vowed not to grant Hunter a pardon.
“He was asked about the pardon, he was asked about the trial in particular and he answered very clearly and candidly,” she said. Said.
“He’s very clear on this point.”
But she was ultimately forced to admit she didn’t have an answer for commuting the sentence: “He and the first lady love their son and support him. I don’t have any other answer than that,” she said. Claimed.
As plural outlet Jean-Pierre’s answers about commuting his sentence have changed over the past nine months or so. In September 2023, Biden was asked if he would “grant a pardon.” Or commute “What would happen to his son if he is found guilty?” (emphasis added) She answered in the affirmative.
“I’ve answered this question before,” she said at the time. “I was asked this question just recently, a few weeks ago, and I answered emphatically ‘no’.”
A pardon erases a conviction from a person’s record and relieves them from any punishment. A commutation reduces or cancels any current sentence, but leaves the conviction in place. The President has the power to pardon or commute sentences only for federal convictions.
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