Press Secretary Refuses to Address Whether President Will Consider Commuting. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to comment on whether President Joe Biden would consider commuting the sentence of his son Hunter Biden, who was recently convicted on three felony gun charges in a Wilmington, Delaware court.
During a press gaggle aboard Air Force One, Jean-Pierre deflected questions about a possible commutation, citing the President’s previous statement on the matter. Biden has previously addressed the possibility of pardoning his son, stating that he would not do so.
When pressed by reporters, Jean-Pierre reiterated that she had not spoken to the President about the issue since the verdict and that the sentencing had not yet been scheduled. She referred back to the President’s previous statement, stating that he had been “very clear, very upfront, and very definitive” about his decision not to pardon his son.
Despite the President’s previous statement, CNN speculated about a potential commutation immediately after the guilty verdict. The network noted that while a pardon would forgive Hunter Biden’s crimes and absolve him of any punishment, a commutation would only reduce or eliminate his sentence.
“What I will say is look, I haven’t spoken to the president about this since the verdict came out and as we all know the sentencing hasn’t even been scheduled yet,” Jean-Pierre added, noting that the sentencing in Hunter’s case was scheduled for later in the summer.
The distinction is important, as some legal experts believe that a commutation would be a more likely option for the President, given his previous statement ruling out a pardon. However, the White House has remained tight-lipped about any potential plans, leaving speculation to run rampant.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles began in 2018 when he was arrested for possession of a firearm while being a user of controlled substances. He subsequently pleaded guilty to the charges and faces up to 10 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for later this summer.
The President has been supportive of his son throughout the ordeal, stating that he loves him and will support him through this difficult time. However, he has also been clear about his intention not to interfere with the legal process, stating that his son must face the consequences of his actions.
The situation has raised questions about the potential conflict of interest for the President, who has been accused of using his position to influence the outcome of his son’s case. However, the White House has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the President has not spoken to his son about the case and has not interfered in any way.
As the sentencing approaches, the speculation surrounding a potential commutation is likely to continue. While the President has been clear about his intention not to pardon his son, the possibility of a commutation remains a topic of debate. The White House has remained tight-lipped about any potential plans, leaving the public to speculate about what the future holds for Hunter Biden.
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