Biden hopes his statement not to pardon Hunter doesn't set a precedent, despite claiming he "meant what I said."

President Biden still maintains that he meant his words when he promised not to pardon his son Hunter, acknowledging in a new interview that he hoped it wouldn't establish a precedent for future presidents to misuse their pardon powers.

The president initially pledged not to pardon his son, but later reversed course and granted clemency for all offenses against the US committed or possibly committed from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 1, 2024. Additionally, the president spared him from sentencing on federal cases involving federal tax charges and felony gun charges.

Some of Biden's own supporters were outraged after he was praised by Democrats and media liberals for upholding the integrity of the justice system by not using his influence to help his own family.

In an exit interview with USA Today, he defended one of his most controversial moves in office, but appeared to forget the timeline of his son's actions.

"Regarding pardons, every parent can comprehend why you would want to safeguard your son. Do you have any apprehensions that your pardon of Hunter could establish a precedent for future presidents, potentially being exploited?"

I hope not, because I meant what I said when I was asked whether I was going to pardon my son," Biden said. "However, I discovered two factors. Firstly, he had paid all his taxes, albeit late. He was struggling with a drug problem. But he overcame it. He's been clean and sober for almost six years now. This was in 2000, I believe. A long time ago. And secondly, he had paid everything.

"He paid all his taxes, including back taxes, and was in a court for a plea deal. However, he was late in paying some of his taxes and should have paid them on time. Despite this, he was able to move on civilly with only $3, $4, or $500,000."

Biden intervened because he believed his son was being treated unfairly. In 2018, Hunter was convicted of purchasing a firearm and falsely declaring that he was not using or addicted to drugs.

"The president stated to USA Today that when purchasing a gun, individuals must sign a form if they are under the influence of anything. However, the president is unsure if the form was properly signed. Despite this, no one has ever been tried for this offense. The president mentioned that the individual in question had the gun for only 10 days, with no weapon, bullets, movement, or leave. The gun was eventually returned, and no one has been charged for it."

In an interview, Biden revealed that he was considering granting pre-emptive pardons to notable Trump adversaries, including Anthony Fauci and former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney.

The confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI director and Pam Bondi as Department of Justice head depends on who President-elect Donald Trump appoints to these positions.

The pardon of Hunter Biden by Biden was defended by some as a natural move to protect his family, but many prominent figures criticized it as a craven flip-flop that would harm the White House and the president's legacy.

"Tommy Vietor, co-host of Pod Save America and former Obama aide, stated that everyone looked foolish and like they were full of nonsense. He added that Republicans would use this to claim it was just politics as usual, despite Democrats' warnings about Trump's corruption, threat to the rule of law, or democracy."

Last year, Biden made it clear that he wouldn't pardon his son, responding to ABC's David Muir with a definitive "Yes."