President Joe Biden stated Thursday that he would not pardon his son, Hunter Biden if convicted on felony charges related to his alleged purchase of a handgun while being a drug user.
In an interview with ABC News’ David Muir, when asked if he had ruled out a pardon for Hunter Biden, the president responded, “Yes.” He also affirmed that he would accept the trial’s verdict in Delaware, regardless of the outcome.
Hunter Biden faces three counts related to his October 2018 purchase of a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver, which prosecutors allege he unlawfully possessed for 11 days. Two charges involve false statements on a federal gun form about his drug use, as he allegedly certified that he was not using or addicted to controlled substances while addicted to crack cocaine at the time.
Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial, which started in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware, is expected to conclude with prosecutors calling their last witness Friday. The defense will then present its case, with Hunter Biden’s potential testimony still undecided.
First Lady Jill Biden attended the trial before traveling to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. CBS News said that She returned to Wilmington on Thursday and was present in court on Friday. She will travel back to France for a state visit over the weekend. Other family members, including his half-sister Ashley Biden, have also attended the trial.
In the ABC News interview, President Biden also addressed former President Donald Trump’s recent conviction by a New York jury on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a hush-money payment to an adult film star before the 2016 election. from CNN, Biden stated that Trump received a “fair trial” and criticized Trump’s Republican supporters for undermining the verdict and the trial as politically motivated.
“The jury spoke like they speak in all cases, and it should be respected,” Biden said. “Stop undermining the rule of law. Stop undermining the institutions.”
