President Joe Biden expressed his support for his son Hunter following his conviction on federal gun charges, stating that he is proud of him and accepts the jury’s verdict. The president, speaking at the G7 summit in Italy, emphasized that Hunter had overcome addiction and is a bright and decent man.
“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.
Despite the conviction, Biden reiterated that he would not pardon his son and further stated that he would not consider commuting Hunter’s sentence. White House officials were prepared for questions regarding the president’s response to his son’s conviction, with some aides clarifying that the matter had not been discussed with the president beforehand.
Hunter Biden has not yet been sentenced in his gun case, and the process may take a couple of months. The Biden family has shown support for Hunter, with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden attending his trial along with the president’s siblings, Valerie and James.
President Biden has refrained from commenting extensively on his son’s case, aiming to avoid any appearance of interference. He has emphasized the distinction between accepting the jury’s verdict and challenging the justice system, a contrast to former President Donald Trump’s claims of a rigged system.
