President Joe Biden expressed his pride in his son Hunter during a news conference at the G7 summit in Italy. Hunter Biden was recently convicted on federal gun charges, but President Biden stated that he is 'extremely proud' of his son for overcoming addiction and being a bright and decent man.
President Biden reiterated his acceptance of the jury's verdict and confirmed that he will not pardon Hunter Biden. He also made it clear that he will not consider commuting his son's sentence, despite having the power to do so as president.
White House officials anticipated questions from reporters about the president's response to his son's conviction. The president's aides were sensitive to the matter, especially after a previous statement from the White House press secretary had left room for speculation about a possible commutation.
President Biden has chosen to maintain a distinction between his acceptance of the legal process and former President Donald Trump's claims of a 'rigged' justice system. While he has refrained from extensively discussing his son's trial to avoid any appearance of interference, other family members, including First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and the president's siblings, have shown support for Hunter Biden during the trial.
Despite the emotional and private moments revealed during the trial, President Biden has stood by his son and emphasized his role as a father alongside his responsibilities as commander-in-chief. The sentencing for Hunter Biden's gun case is pending, and the president has made it clear that he will respect the legal process and the jury's decision.
