White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Biden has no plans yet to pardon his son Hunter Biden, who pleaded guilty to federal tax charges in September.
Hunter's plea spared him a trial for spending lavishly on drugs, escorts, luxury hotel stays, clothing and other personal items and failing to pay taxes.
The plea also comes after he was convicted of three felony firearms charges in June. Prosecutors said the eldest son falsely stated on a mandatory gun purchase form that he was not using drugs illegally or was addicted to drugs.
After Hunter was convicted, President Biden indicated he would not pardon his son.
Poll compares whether Trump and Hunter Biden should be sentenced to prison, American adults say
President Biden's son Hunter Biden attended the Democratic National Convention held at the United Center in Chicago on August 19th. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Jean-Pierre was asked again Thursday whether President Biden intended to pardon Hunter, who is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 12 on a firearms charge and Dec. 16 on a tax evasion charge.
“We've been asked that question many times. Our answer is no,” the spokesperson said.
Fox News' senior White House correspondent Jackie Heinrich followed up on this question by asking if Hunter could have his sentence reduced or commuted.
Biden 'committed unimpeachable acts' and defrauded America to enrich his family': House Republican report
Hunter Biden is shown during a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., after speaking about public testimony before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Dec. 13, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call, via Getty Images)
Heinrich reminded Jean-Pierre that Biden previously said he would not consider commuting Hunter's sentence.
“Yes, that's right,” said Jean-Pierre.
“Are you saying it's still there?'' Mr. Heinrich asked for clarification.
'Still no': KJP suggests Biden won't pardon son in tax case
Hunter Biden and President Biden.
“Yes,” replied Jean-Pierre.
The president's son was charged with spending money on “drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items” while avoiding paying at least $1.4 million in taxes. He was charged with two felonies and six misdemeanors. “It's personal in nature, basically everything except taxes.” Indicted in December 2023.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Prosecutors also said Hunter's final tax return showed that things like prostitutes, strip club visits, subscriptions to pornographic websites and other personal expenses were actually deductible business expenses. He claims he made false claims.
The purpose, according to the indictment, was to “avoid tax assessments in order to reduce the large tax liability” that Hunter faced.
FOX News' Alec Shemel contributed to this report.
