'I Just Don't Have Anything': White House Refuses To Rule Out Presidential Intervention Following Hunter Biden Conviction

Following Hunter Biden's conviction by a Delaware jury on Tuesday, the White House has been conducting damage control to ensure the fallout doesn't impact President Joe Biden's re-election campaign. However, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was unwilling to answer reporters about whether the president would issue a commutation, which gives the president the authority to lessen the punishment for Hunter's sentence.

"As we all know, the sentencing hasn't even been scheduled yet," the White House press secretary explained while aboard Air Force One. According to The Associated Press, she told reporters that she has yet to speak to the president about the issue following the verdict. However, Biden has said that he will not pardon his 54-year-old son.

"He was very clear, very upfront, obviously very definitive," Jean-Pierre said about a pardon, adding that she doesn't "have anything beyond that" when asked about a commutation. Following his son's conviction, the White House canceled the daily press briefing, and President Biden flew to Delaware to comfort Hunter after the trial.

The jury found Hunter guilty of making false statements on ATF Form 4473 while purchasing his Cobra Colt .38 in October 2018. The 12 Delaware residents also found him guilty of possessing a firearm while addicted to an illegal substance. Hunter Biden, who suffered from drug addiction problems during that period, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, and he is likely to appeal the verdict. Hunter's defense team attempted to argue that he didn't lie on the ATF form because he believed at the time that he was addicted to an illegal substance like cocaine. 

Hunter is facing up to 25 years in prison, and the judge could make him pay upwards of a $250,000 fine per offense. However, the sentence Hunter receives will be up to  U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika. While the charges carry significant weight, the president's son isn't expected to be sent to prison, given that he is a first offender.

Despite being found guilty, President Biden said he was "proud" of his son for overcoming his addiction. "As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad," Biden began. "Jill and I love our son, and we are proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery. As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of the family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that."

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