Official announcements from the White House or public records of presidential pardons

Biden Pardons Hunter, Considers More Clemency Amidst Controversy

Dec 6, 2024, 07:41 PM

President Joe Biden has granted a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, sparking a wave of reactions and calls for broader clemency actions. The White House held its first on-camera briefing since the pardon, where Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the decision. She explained that President Biden 'wrestled with this' decision, indicating that circumstances had changed, leading to the pardon. The briefing also revealed that Biden is considering more pardons and commutations. The move has led to intense scrutiny and questions regarding the integrity of the justice system and the administration's previous statements on the matter. Jean-Pierre cited Biden's support from Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and referenced a YouGov poll, which she claimed showed 64% of Americans agree with the pardon, although the actual figure is 34%. She also blamed Trump appointees for influencing the decision.