Six times Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that President Biden would not grant a pardon to his son Hunter.
On Sunday night, President Biden formally granted clemency to his son.
Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, was left with egg on her face after consistently asserting that President Biden had no plans to pardon his son during her time in the administration.
On Sunday night, Biden granted his son Hunter a pardon for his recent tax and gun convictions.
""I issued a pardon for my son Hunter today, despite my pledge not to interfere with the Justice Department's decision-making and my observation of his unfair prosecution," Biden stated."
"The president's statement continued, "People are rarely brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form, as long as there are no aggravating factors such as using the gun in a crime, making multiple purchases, or acting as a straw purchaser. Those who were late paying their taxes due to serious addictions but later paid them back with interest and penalties are usually given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.""
After Jean-Pierre denied that Biden was considering a pardon for Hunter, even as he was being prosecuted.
July 2023
In July, Mark Meredith of Planet Chronicle questioned Jean-Pierre about the possibility of Biden granting a pardon to his son, Hunter, who was facing charges of willful failure to pay federal income tax.
"No," Jean-Pierre simply said.
She interrupted an attempted follow-up question and replied, "I just said no," before moving on to another reporter.
September 2023
Jean-Pierre reiterated the possibility of Biden pardoning his son after Hunter was indicted on federal charges for false statements and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Jean-Pierre had previously answered the question, which was asked of him recently, about two weeks ago. He was very clear and stated his answer as "no."
December 2023
After Hunter was charged with nine counts of federal tax evasion, Jean-Pierre provided a more comprehensive response to reporters.
Jean-Pierre stated that nothing has changed and that it is still the case when asked about the possibility of Biden pardoning Hunter.
Jean-Pierre stated that the president has previously declared his love and support for his son as he rebuilds his life, and he will continue to do so. He emphasized that he would not comment on this matter and would refrain from mentioning the Department of Justice or his colleagues at the White House counsel. Instead, he would simply relay what the president has said repeatedly, which is that he is proud of his son.
June 2024
In an interview with ABC News' David Muir in Normandy, France, months later, Biden stated that he would not pardon his son and would accept the verdict of his federal trial.
Following the interview, Jean-Pierre confirmed that Biden had no plans to pardon his son and had not discussed the matter with the president.
Jean-Pierre stated that he has nothing to add beyond what the President said yesterday in response to the first question. The President has been clear, and they have been clear as well. It is known that the President loves his son and that he and the First Lady support him. Jean-Pierre emphasized that he has nothing more to say beyond this.
The President was asked about a pardon specifically in relation to the trial, and he answered it very clearly and forthrightly. However, the sentencing has not yet been scheduled, and the President has not spoken to me about this matter. Therefore, I have no further information beyond what he said.
August 2024
Would Jean-Pierre advise Vice President Kamala Harris not to pardon his son if she were elected?
Jean-Pierre stated that the president had said he would not pardon his son, and he would not comment further on the matter.
November 2024
After winning the 2024 election, President-elect Donald Trump reiterated that his stance had not changed.
The press secretary stated that they have been asked the same question numerous times and their response remains unchanged, which is "no."
Planet Chronicle' Brandon Gillespie contributed to this report.
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