President Joe Biden said he would not commute his son Hunter Biden after being sentenced for his three felony convictions related to the 2018 gun purchase.
Biden also reiterated his vow not to pardon his son in his first public comments about Hunter since last week’s conviction. Hunter faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
He also said he was confident his son received a fair trial and reiterated his support for him.
‘I am extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He’s one of the smartest, most decent men I know. And I’m satisfied that I’m not going to do anything. I said I would abide by the jury’s decision. I will do that. And I will not pardon him,” Biden said Thursday.
And he simply said “no” when asked directly if he would commute Hunter’s sentence.
The president made his comments during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the G7 meeting in Italy.
President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the G7
Two of Hunter’s daughters, Finnegan and Maisy, sat in the audience as Biden answered questions. Peter Neal, Naomi Biden’s husband, was also in the audience.
Naomi Biden is traveling but has remained behind closed doors amid speculation she is pregnant.
Naomi, 30, testified at Hunter’s trial.
It is unclear what punishment Hunter will receive as a first-time offender. The date of the ruling is October. He may receive a suspended sentence, prison sentence, house arrest or community service.
Hunter faces a second tax trial in September.
Aides are reportedly concerned about the toll of the trial on President Biden, who is close to his son and is said to worry about him constantly.
Hunter Biden has struggled with addiction problems for years.
The trial exposed some of the family’s darkest moments as they dealt with Hunter’s drug use.
Biden has said he will not use his power as president to pardon his son and has been careful to distance himself from the Justice Department’s case.
He released a statement of support after Hunter’s conviction. Hunter was convicted on three counts of lying on a government form about his drug use when purchasing a gun in 2018.
“As I said last week, I am the president, but I am also a father. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. “So many families who have had loved ones who have battled addiction understand the feeling of pride in seeing someone you love come out on the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery.”
President Joe Biden hugs his son Hunter Biden upon arrival in Wilmington, Del.
The Biden family is staying at the Borgo Egnazia resort in Italy
Biden’s stay in Italy will be short-lived.
He arrived late Wednesday night and leaves Friday evening, heading straight to Los Angeles for a campaign fundraiser with George Clooney, Jimmy Kimmel and Julia Roberts.
Hunter Biden also lives in Los Angeles.
It is unclear who is paying the Biden family members to travel with the president to the high-stakes meeting abroad, but on previous foreign trips aboard Air Force One, family members have paid their way.