Jill Biden said she fully supported President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon their son, Hunter Biden, because they could not let him go to jail under the Trump administration.
Hunter Biden Pardoned
Hunter Biden was convicted in June 2024 on three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018 while struggling with drug addiction. He had provided false information on the paperwork to obtain the firearm. In a separate case, Hunter also pleaded guilty to nine tax evasion charges in September 2024.
Joe Biden had initially pledged not to pardon his son, but he reversed course at the end of his presidency. Jill Biden explained that the family believed the Justice Department under Trump would unfairly target Hunter, and they could not allow him to face jail time for charges that she said no one else had ever gone to jail for.
Jill Biden’s Statements
In an interview with CBS News’ Rita Braver for Sunday Morning, Jill Biden said she encouraged and supported her husband’s decision to pardon Hunter. She confirmed that she agreed with Joe Biden and wanted him pardoned at that time.
Jill Biden also addressed the pardons of other family members. She said these decisions were made for similar reasons, as the family feared they could also be unfairly targeted.
Additional Remarks
The elder Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter drew criticism from across the political spectrum. Jill Biden also spoke about the 2024 election, her husband’s debate performance, and her new memoir, View from the East Wing: A Memoir.
