In her first televised press briefing since Hunter Biden's pardon, Karine Jean-Pierre was asked numerous questions about the former vice president's son.

President Biden granted his son a pardon on Sunday, despite earlier statements from both the president and his press secretary indicating that such an action would not occur.

In her first televised press briefing since Hunter Biden's pardon, Karine Jean-Pierre was asked numerous questions about the former vice president's son.
In her first televised press briefing since Hunter Biden's pardon, Karine Jean-Pierre was asked numerous questions about the former vice president's son.

In the first televised press briefing since President Biden granted a pardon to his son Hunter, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced a barrage of questions from reporters.

She also spoke to reporters earlier this week from Air Force One.

According to Jean-Pierre, the statement regarding the pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, was made by him on Sunday and it is in his own voice.

"He wrestled with this decision and stated in his own voice that he made it this past weekend."

Over the summer, the president and Jean-Pierre made it clear that the president would not grant a pardon to his son.

Karine Jean-Pierre speaking
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Jean-Pierre insisted "circumstances have changed."

"Recently announced Trump appointees for law enforcement have said on the campaign that they were out for retribution, and I think we should believe their words, right? We should believe what they say."

The president stated in his statement that the Biden family, including Hunter, had experienced enough.

"The change in circumstances, the combination of that, ultimately led to the president changing his mind and issuing a pardon," she explained.

Despite continued questioning from reporters, Jean-Pierre urged people to read the president's statement rather than addressing whether an apology was owed to the American people.

She reiterated that he wrestled with it and made a decision. That's what she can tell the American people.

President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden
Hunter Biden, right, son of President Biden, watches as the president gestures to his "Team USA" jacket on the South Lawn of the White House before boarding Marine One in Washington, D.C., July 26, 2024 (Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

I believe the American public comprehends the complexity of this decision, and I think it's crucial to mention that a U.S. Gov poll was conducted, which some of you have reported on.

"So, we get a sense of where the American people are on this. Sixty-four percent is nothing to sneeze at."

Some legal experts have stated that no one would be criminally prosecuted with felony offenses based on these facts, asserting that Hunter Biden was politically targeted.

Hunter Biden was found guilty of three felonies for possessing an illegal firearm while under the influence of drugs. Additionally, he admitted guilt in a federal tax case.

Jury Selection Begins In Hunter Biden Gun Trial
Hunter Biden (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

In addition to being questioned about the president's concerns regarding his credibility regarding the pardon and allegations of misleading the public, she was also asked about these matters.

No one would be criminally prosecuted for family offenses due to the absence of aggravated factors and the rarity of similar charges, as she emphasized, citing Biden's statement.

Another journalist pointed out that Biden has faced "rapid condemnation" from his own party members who consider it a "disappointment," fearing that Trump and the Republicans could exploit it to their advantage in the future.

When asked about responding to Democratic criticism, Jean-Pierre stated that he would concentrate on the American people.

by Brie Stimson

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