Biden says he won’t pardon Hunter Biden or commute his sentence in first public remarks after guilty verdict

CNN —

President Joe Biden on Thursday offered his first public remarks about his son Hunter’s conviction on federal gun charges earlier this week, telling reporters in Italy he is “proud” of him and accepts the jury’s verdict.

“I’m extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction, he’s one of the brightest, most decent men I know,” Biden said during a news conference on the margins of the G7 summit.

“I am satisfied that I’m not going to do anything — I said I’d abide by the jury decision. I will do that. And I will not pardon him,” he added.

Hunter Biden was found guilty on three federal charges this week, punctuating an emotionally tumultuous trial that unearthed many dark and private moments for the Biden family.

U.S. President Joe Biden embraces his grandson, Beau Biden, as his daughter-in-law, Melissa Cohen Biden, and his son, Hunter Biden, who earlier in the day was found guilty on all three counts in his criminal gun charges trial, stand by after the president arrived at the Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Delaware, U.S., June 11, 2024. REUTERS/Anna Rose Layden

Related article Hunter Biden’s guilty verdict punctuates long and difficult saga for the president’s family

Biden reaffirmed that he would not pardon his son, echoing a commitment he made last week, before he was convicted in his gun case.

The president also went a step further Thursday, saying he would not consider commuting his son’s sentence. Presidents have the power both pardon and commute, or reduce, sentences in federal cases.

Hunter Biden has not yet been sentenced in his gun case, and it likely will not happen for another couple of months.

White House officials suspected the president may face questions