‘Of course, I support’: Jill Biden reacts to Hunter’s pardon as President cites ‘politicised prosecution’ – Times of India

Jill Biden reacts to Hunter’s pardon as President cites ‘politicised prosecution’ (Picture credit: AP, PTI)

First Lady Jill Biden on Monday voiced her support for President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter Biden, following his convictions on federal gun and tax charges earlier this year.
Speaking to reporters after a holiday event at the White House, Jill Biden said, “Of course, I support the pardon of my son”, reported USA Today.
The President announced the pardon on Sunday, alleging that Hunter Biden had been “selectively and unfairly prosecuted.”
This marked a reversal of his earlier stance, where he had stated he would not pardon his son.
In a statement, Biden explained his decision, pointing to the politicisation of the cases. “Without aggravating factors like use in a crime or multiple purchases, people are almost never brought to trial for how they filled out a gun form,” he said.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles
Hunter Biden, 54, was convicted in June of three gun-related felonies stemming from a 2018 purchase of a firearm. Prosecutors said he lied on federal forms, claiming he was not using drugs while battling addiction.
Additionally, in September, Hunter pleaded guilty to multiple tax offences, admitting he failed to pay $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019, according to The New York Post.
The President’s pardon not only addressed these convictions but extended to cover any offences committed between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024.
As per USA Today, Hunter Biden reacted to the pardon by acknowledging his mistakes during his addiction struggles. “I have admitted and taken responsibility…mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me,” he said.
Notably, Jill Biden, who is Hunter’s stepmother, has had a complex relationship with him. According to the New York Post, Hunter referred to her in derogatory terms in retrieved text messages from his laptop.
Controversy and criticism
The pardon has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans and even some clemency advocates.
Former President Donald Trump, now President-elect, called it an “abuse of justice” and questioned whether the same leniency would apply to January 6 Capitol rioters. Trump also pointed to Biden’s reversal, highlighting the President’s earlier assurance that he would not pardon his son.