President Biden reaffirms his stance against pardoning his son Hunter, who faces sentencing for tax evasion and gun charges next month.
At a Glance
- White House confirms President Biden will not pardon his son Hunter
- Hunter Biden faces sentencing for $1.4 million tax evasion and illegal firearm possession
- Charges include three felony tax offenses and six misdemeanors
- This marks the first time a sitting president’s son faces criminal prosecution
- Sentencing scheduled for December 12 (gun charges) and December 16 (tax fraud)
No Presidential Pardon for Hunter Biden
The Biden administration has made it clear that President Joe Biden will not pardon his son, Hunter Biden, who is facing multiple federal charges including tax evasion and illegal firearm possession. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reaffirmed this stance, echoing the President’s position from June when he first stated he would not intervene in his son’s legal troubles.
“We’ve been asked that question multiple times and our answer stands — which is no,” Jean-Pierre stated firmly, addressing the possibility of a presidential pardon.
Hunter Biden’s Legal Troubles
Hunter Biden’s legal woes stem from two separate cases. The first involves three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018 while struggling with drug addiction. Prosecutors allege that Hunter lied on the paperwork to obtain the firearm. The second case revolves around tax evasion, where Hunter faces three felony tax offenses and six misdemeanor charges, including failure to file and pay taxes, tax evasion, and filing a false return.
The indictment alleges that Hunter evaded paying at least $1.4 million in taxes while maintaining a lavish lifestyle. Prosecutors claim he spent extravagantly on drugs, escorts, luxury hotels, and other personal items while falsely claiming personal expenses as business deductions.
Unprecedented Situation
This case marks the first time in American history that a sitting president’s son faces criminal prosecution. The White House’s firm stance against a pardon reinforces a message of accountability, even at the highest levels of government. It’s a situation that has drawn significant attention and scrutiny from both sides of the political aisle.
“It is impossible to believe that President Biden will let his son Hunter sit in federal prison for crimes they don’t believe he would have been charged with if his last name was not *Biden*,” – me to @jaketapper after WH again denied Biden will pardon his son. @TheLeadCNN https://t.co/krtZFs3ZxQ
— Paula Reid (@PaulaReidCNN) September 5, 2024
Upcoming Sentencing
Hunter Biden is scheduled for sentencing on December 12 for the gun charges and December 16 for the tax fraud charges. These dates fall shortly before the end of President Biden’s current term, adding to the significance of the White House’s position on pardons.
“I know pardons is going to be a big part of the questions that I get here over the next several weeks and a couple of months that we have. I don’t have anything to share or any thought process on pardons. Once we have something to share, we certainly will share with that.” – Karine Jean-Pierre
As the sentencing dates approach, the Biden administration continues to maintain its position of non-intervention in the legal proceedings. This stance underscores the administration’s commitment to allowing the justice system to operate independently, even when it involves the President’s own family.
Sources:
- Biden still does not plan to pardon his son Hunter, White House says
- President Biden has no plans of pardoning son Hunter Biden, White House says
- KJP says President Biden still has no plans to pardon Hunter Biden for tax fraud, gun charges
