President Biden acknowledged his son's guilty verdict in a federal gun case during a press conference at the G7 summit, expressing pride in his recovery from addiction while vowing to respect the jury's decision.
President Joe Biden addressed the recent conviction of his son, Hunter Biden, on federal gun charges for the first time during a press conference at the G7 summit in Italy.
"With regard to the question regarding the family," Biden said, "I'm extremely proud of my son, Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He has. He's one of the brightest, most decent men I know."
Biden Breaks Silence on Son Hunter, Expresses Pride Amid Gun Charge Conviction
Hunter Biden was found guilty by a Delaware jury on Tuesday of knowingly making a false statement in acquiring a firearm. He faces up to 25 years in prison, though legal experts believe he is likely to receive a significantly shorter sentence.
Biden, however, emphasized that he would abide by the jury's decision and would not pardon his son.
Biden Breaks Silence on Son Hunter, Expresses Pride Amid Gun Charge Conviction
"I said, I said, I’d abide by the jury decision. I will do that, and I will not pardon him," Biden stated.
The President's comments mark a departure from his previous silence on the matter. Hunter Biden's legal troubles have been the subject of intense media scrutiny and political attacks, with some Republicans accusing the Biden family of corruption.
Biden Breaks Silence on Son Hunter, Expresses Pride Amid Gun Charge Conviction
In the same press conference, Biden also discussed his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signing a joint agreement to support Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion.
When asked about his assessment of Hamas' response to the situation in Gaza, Biden expressed cautious optimism while emphasizing the need for a diplomatic solution.
"We made an agreement. I laid out an approach that has been endorsed by the U.N. Security Council, by the G7, by the Israelis…Hamas [is] refusing to sign on, even though they have submitted something similar," Biden explained.
The President added that the United States would continue to push for a ceasefire and work towards a peaceful resolution.
Biden's statements on his son's conviction and the situation in Gaza were met with mixed reactions. Some praised him for his honesty and transparency, while others criticized him for not addressing the allegations of corruption surrounding his family's business dealings.
The legal battle involving Hunter Biden is still ongoing, with sentencing scheduled for June 16th. It remains to be seen whether the President's comments will have any impact on the outcome of the case.
