U.S.

Politics World Opinion Media Entertainment Sports Lifestyle Video AI More Login Watch TV

Hunter Biden

Biden pardons son Hunter Biden ahead of exit from Oval

Office
President Biden previously said he would not pardon his son
By Emma Colton Andrea Margolis Fox News ,

Published December 1, 2024 7:36pm EST

More From Fox News

'Cheers' star Ted Danson and his

wife Mary Steenburgen wake up at
4:30 am for 'date early bird
specials'

Hunter Biden sentencing will fall in political ‘sweet spot’ for a potential pardon: Turley
Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley weighs in on former President Trump and Hunter Biden’s legal battle timelines on ‘Fox & Friends Weekend.’

Paralyzing Great Lakes snowstorm

President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, after the first son was convicted in two produces rare thundersnow,
separate federal cases earlier this year. waterspouts

The announcement was made by the White House on Sunday night. The pardon applies to
offenses against the U.S. that Hunter Biden "has committed or may have committed" from
Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 1, 2024.

"Today, signed a pardon for my son Hunter," Biden wrote in a statement. "From the day
I I

took office, said would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and
I I
Cheryl Hines shares video of RFK
Jr. naked shower to promote
in
Ikept my word even as have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted."
I
self-care product company: 'Oh
Bobby'

The president went on to claim that his son was "treated differently" by prosecutors.

BIDEN WON'T PARDON HUNTER, WHITE HOUSE REAFFIRMS, BUT CRITICS AREN'T SO Texas daycare worker allegedly
kicked toddlers more than 100
SURE times, stood on their hands as
punishment

‘Days of Our Lives’ star Wayne

Northrop dead at 77

Bills quarterback Josh Allen

engaged to Hailee Steinfeld
Hunter Biden, accompanied by his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, arrives at federal court on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in
Wilmington, Delaware. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
More from Politics
1 hour ago
Biden pardons son
"Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon Hunter Biden ahead
as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for of exit from Oval
Office
how they filled out a gun form," Biden added. "Those who were late paying their taxes
because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and 2 hours ago
penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated Bernie Sanders
admits ‘Elon Musk is
differently." right’ to slash
Pentagon with
DOGE: ‘Lost track of
Biden also referenced his son's battle with addiction and blamed "raw politics" for the billions’
unraveling of Hunter's plea deal.
4 hours ago
John Bolton
"There has been an effort to break Hunter – who has been five and a half years sober, even compares Kash
in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution," the 82-year-old father wrote. Patel to Stalin's
right-hand man after
"In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me – and there’s no reason to believe it will Trump's FBI
stop here. Enough is enough." nomination

hours ago
understand why a father and a President would come
5
"I hope Americans will to this US sees surge in

decision," Biden's statement concluded. Indian immigrants at

border with Canada

TRUMP NOMINATES KASH PATEL TO SERVE AS FBI DIRECTOR: 'ADVOCATE FOR TRUTH'
Promoted

7 sleeping solutions for overnight

guests just in time for the holidays

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden departs the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 03, 2024 in Wilmington,
Delaware. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Hunter Biden, 54, has had a busy year in court, kicking off his first trial in Delaware in June, Fox News Politics
when he faced three felony firearm offenses, before he pleaded guilty in a separate felony Get the latest updates from the 2024
tax case in September. campaign trail, exclusive interviews and
more Fox News politics content.
Arrives Weekdays
President Biden pardoning his son is a departure from his previous remarks to the media
By entering your email and clicking the
over the summer, declaring he would not pardon the first son. Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News
Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and agree to ,

receive content and promotional

communications from Fox News. You
"Yes," President Biden told ABC News when asked if he would rule out pardoning Hunter understand that you can opt-out at any time.
ahead of his guilty verdict in the gun case. Subscribe

Days following a jury of Hunter’s peers finding him guilty of three felony firearm
later,
offenses, the president again said he would not pardon his son.

"I am not going to do anything," Biden said after Hunter was convicted. "I will abide by the
jury’s decision ."

In the gun case, Hunter was found guilty of making a false statement in the purchase of a
gun, making a false statement related to information required to be kept by a federally
licensed gun dealer, and possession of a gun by a person who is an unlawful user of or
addicted to a controlled substance .

HUNTER BIDEN FOUND GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS IN GUN TRIAL

President Biden speaks at the Carpenters Local Union 445 "Get Out The Vote" event in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 2,
2024. (Photo by Ting Shen/AFP via Getty Images)

Prosecutors specifically worked to prove that Biden lied on a federal firearm form, known
as ATF Form 4473, in October 2018, when he ticked a box labeled "No" when asked if he is
an unlawful user of substances or addicted to controlled substances.

Hunter has a well-documented history drug abuse which was most notably of ,

documented in his 2021 memoir, "Beautiful Things," which walked readers through his
previous need to smoke crack cocaine every 20 minutes, how his addiction was so prolific
that he referred to himself as a "crack daddy" to drug dealers, and anecdotes revolving
around drug deals, such as a Washington, D.C., crack dealer Biden nicknamed "Bicycles."

HUNTER BIDEN TRIAL ENTERS DAY 5 AFTER TESTIMONY FROM SISTER-IN-LAW-

'PANICKED'

Hunter’s attorneys did not dispute the first son’s long history with substance abuse amid
the trial, which also included an addiction to alcohol. The defense instead argued that on
the day Biden bought the Cobra Colt .38, he did not consider himself an active drug addict,
citing the first son's stint in rehab ahead of the October 2018 purchase.

Prosecutors, however, argued Biden was addicted to crack cocaine before, during and
after he bought the handgun. Just one day after the gun purchase, prosecutors showed
the court that Biden texted Hallie Biden, his sister-in-law-turned-girlfriend, to say he was
"waiting for a dealer named Mookie." A day after that text, he texted that he was "sleeping
on a car smoking crack on 4th Street and Rodney" in Wilmington .

Hunter Biden, Melissa Cohen Biden, right, and first lady Jill Biden leave the federal court after the jury finds him guilty on
all three counts in his trial on criminal gun charges, in Wilmington, Delaware, on June 11, 2024. (REUTERS/Hannah Beier)

A jurydeliberated for roughly three hours across two days before they found Hunter guilty
on each charge.

Hunter was scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 13, which was delayed until December
before his dad intervened.

After President Biden presidential race in July amid mounting concerns

dropped out of the
over his mental acuity and age, Hunter faced another trial regarding three felony tax
offenses and six misdemeanor tax offenses regarding the failure to pay at least $1.4
million in taxes.

As jury selection was about to kick off in Los Angeles federal court Hunter entered , a
surprise guilty plea.

HUNTER BIDEN PLEADS GUILTY TO ALL NINE FEDERAL TAX CHARGES BROUGHT BY
SPECIAL COUNSEL DAVID WEISS
"I will not subject my family
more invasions of privacy and needless to more pain,
embarrassment," Hunter said in an emailed statement at the time. "For all have put them I

through over the years, can spare them this, and so have decided to plead guilty." I I

A court sketch depicts Hunter Biden’s federal trial in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday, June 10, 2024. (William J.
Hennessy Jr.)

The charges carried up 17 years behind bars, but the first son would likely have faced
to a
much shorter sentence under federal sentencing guidelines. His sentencing was
scheduled for Dec. 16.

Ahead of the president’s decision to pardon his son, President-elect Donald Trump said on
the campaign trail that he would consider pardoning Hunter if victorious on Nov. 5.

Former President Donald Trump is pictured at an election night watch party on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 in West Palm
Beach, Florida. (AP/Alex Brandon)

"Iwouldn't take it off the books," Trump told radio host Hugh Hewitt in October. "See, unlike
Joe Biden, despite what they've done to me, where they've gone after me so viciously. . . .

And Hunter's a bad boy."

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"There's no question about it. He's been a bad boy," Trump continued. "But I happen to
think it's very bad for our country."

Sponsored Stories You May Like Recommended by

Awkward Family Photo's Diddy Gave Diageo New Jersey: Say Bye to Your
Greatest Hits Ultimatum To Give Him Insurance Bill if You Live in
YourBump $100M Or He Would These Zip Codes
Arotech Otto Quotes

[Gallery] 22 Critical Mistakes That Were Too Expensive To Fix

https://flaretalk.com

Here Are 37 Of The Coolest Man Handles an Entitled Veteran Family-Handmade

Gifts In 2024 Woman’s Behavior – What Honor US Flag Patriotic
2024 Trending Gifts He Did Next Was Clock
Happy in Shape TopGadgetlife

Add Baking Soda To Your A couple who have lived in a New Jersey Launches New
Gray Hairs And Watch What sewer for 22 years show Policy For Cars Used Less
Happens what it looks like inside Than 75 Miles/Day
Livestly Tips and Tricks bindright.com

Travolta's Home Is Taylor Swift's Ex Confirms New Jersey Has One Of The
Unsellable What We Always Suspected Worst Tourist Traps In
Fit Focus Factor About Her America, Avoid At All Costs
https://talktrendshub.com https://flaretalk.com

Giant Whale Won’t Leave Urologist: Muscle Gain After This Headlight Glasses
Boat Alone – When They 60 Comes Down To This 1 that's making nighttime
Notice Why, Watch What Thing driving as daytime driving
Happy in Shape Alpha Health Secrets yiffany.com

Sponsored Stories More From Fox News

These Barefoot Shoes are Leaving Neuropathy ‘Baywatch’ star Nicole Eggert in tears over ‘tattoos’
Experts Baffled from cancer treatment
Barefoot Vitality Entertainment
6 Things Not to Do When Selecting a Financial Bruce Willis seen in rare photo shared by daughters as
Advisor he battles dementia
SmartAsset Entertainment
CD Rates That Can't Be Ignored Shannon Bream analyzes President Biden's 'broad'
SearchTopics Search Ads | pardon for son Hunter
Fox News

Enlarged Prostate Has Nothing to Do with Age. Just Lily Allen never ‘had sex’ with anyone ‘not drunk’ until
Stop Doing This One Common Thing! current husband, says ‘addiction runs deep’ in family
wellnessguide104.com Entertainment
Record Low Price: U.S. Forever Stamp Clearance! Prince Harry 'battling old demons’ as King Charles
Forever Stamps fears reuniting could create ‘legal jeopardy’: experts
Entertainment
The Best Cordless Table Lamp for Making Your Prince Harry, Meghan Markle don't get royal
Dining Room or Patio Table a Whole Christmas invite as Kate Middleton posts holiday
sherum.com Entertainment

More From Fox News

Sydney Sweeney looks unrecognizable in Siberia's 'Gateway to Hell' crater fuels SJSU transgender volleyball player Blaire
latest role: Actress' best looks over the new fears Fleming's college career likely over after
years championship loss

California woman dies from Fresno ‘Modern Family’ stars rush their kids to Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence takes huge hit
County's first human case of rabies in emergency room after medical scare on from Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair, sparking
more than 30 years Thanksgiving brawl

Canadian town fined for refusing to Taylor Swift's boyfriend Travis Kelce Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin’s Beverly Hills
celebrate Pride Month, fly rainbow flag pressured to propose after Josh Allen brawl almost left prominent millionaire
gets engaged to Hailee Steinfeld dead: author

Conversation 10.6K Comments 54.7K Viewing

Discussions are moderated. For more details, click here .

Sort by Best
151 People typing View 12 new comments
starmizzle_
1 hour ago
Hunter pled guilty in his trial because he knew (we all knew) that a pardon was incoming and he certainly
want that evidence in the trial to be brought out.
Reply 770 5 Share
politicansareliars
38 minutes ago
Biden:"I hope Americans will understand why a father and aPresident would come to this decision,"
Yes I do understand, it is double standards, and that those who are in power can do whatever they want.
Reply 272 4 Share
21 replies

Islandah
38 minutes ago
He’s as guilty as his son. No need to take punitive measures, history will be the record of corruption.
all charges against Trumps& Associates and time for a fresh start. But remember, AGAIN! NEVER
Reply 157 4 Share
8 replies

JoeBribemShoweredwithhisDaughter
2 minutes ago
Shocker. Another lie from Honest Joe Bribem. Doesn’t matter. Liberals like lies. They do not like the truth
Which they have made painfully obvious these past 9 years
Reply Share
Show 58 more replies

aznavyvet413
1 hour ago
In no way was Hunter treated unfairly or has he received a harsh judgement. Quite the opposite. He
protected and given special treatment. Not a candidate for a pardon.
Reply 348 4 Share
rygby
43 minutes ago
Itappears, some people ARE in fact above the law. No one is surprised .

Reply 173 1 Share

8 replies

theequalizer3
36 minutes ago
yep and he pleaded Guilty!!!
Reply 56 Share

gwainabq061
2 minutes ago
And, Hunter wouldn't have been incarcerated anyway, so 'justice' could have been served without yet
nother political misstep by President Biden. Besides, I actually think President Trump's prior
about pardoning Hunter may have bore fruit, especially if Hunter were to be sentenced to j...

See more
Reply Share
Show 17 more replies

myhubbyissexiest
1 hour ago
This exactly why Hunter is the way he is. No one, including his daddy, made him take responsibility for
is
is own actions. He'll never own up to his own mistakes. Terrible mistake to bail your kid out from their
like this. There's grace, and then there's enabling. Hunter probably can't... See more
Reply 665 5 Share
philcons2018
52 minutes ago
... I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.

I wonder if he is now going to say that about every one guilty of tax crimes and illegal gun possession. He
needs to pardon all of those as well. I'm sure they were "selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted".
Bet he follows up to...
See more
Reply 96 4 Share
4 replies

unafraid2bfree
56 minutes ago
Joe had to allalong. Hunter, as they say, “…knows where all the bodies are buried “. If he ever had to cut
deal to stay out of prison he would implicate the whole family.
Reply 170 2 Share
3 replies

mds05
2 minutes ago
And the sad thing is, he’s not doing him any favors long term. Just like he wasn’t all the other times he
ailed him out. Every time if no doubt ended with a bigger jam to bail him out of. Hope both Hunter and
remember this deal only applies to crimes committed by midnight tonight. And Joe... See more
Reply Share
Show 51 more replies

Maxthecat
1 hour ago
Well he can't pardon him from any state crimes, so there's that. Also he said Hunter was treated unfairly,
eah right, they almost go away with a sweetheart deal that he would not be liable for future crimes and
slow walked the not paying taxes issue. Also they said they blame his addiction...
See more
Reply 32 Share
2 replies

exleftcoast
1 hour ago
...even as have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted. - We believe what we want
I

o believe. Biden exposes biggest threat to Democracy - Doing things because we can do it, not because
is the right thing to do. Worst President in the History of the United States.
Reply 213 Share
americathegreat821
15 minutes ago
Secret combinations are the biggest threat to democracy. The Bidens are a secret combination of
crime, Jill included
Reply 13 Share
1 reply

TruthisHard026
40 minutes ago
Great job, Joe! Merry Christmas!
Reply 17 16 Share
2 replies
Show 3 more replies

Carmudgeon979
1 hour ago
All those currently incarcerated on similar tax evasion and gun charges should file for immediate release,
iting the “first son” precedent of in equitable application of the law. Aren’t the democrats the party of

Reply 87 Share
mermaidsirencall
29 minutes ago
That is interesting - wondering what Law Scholars will be saying about the "first son precedent"

Reply 4 1 Share
Show 4 more replies

iserved,didyou
1 hour ago
Biden already knew he was going to pardon Hunter, even before he said he wasn't.
He just didn't want it to overshadow his Campaign.

And then Obama and Pelosi overshadowed his campaign.

Reply 228 Share
icantforceyoutoberight
1 hour ago
Nevermind selling access to our government to our enemies. That should be an unpardonable offense.
Reply 80 Share
7 replies

2024djt
1 hour ago
We ALL knew Hunter was going to be pardoned
Reply 157 1 Share
2 replies
Show 8 more replies

DespicableUnWokeAmerican
1hour ago
What an abuse power. He and Hunter must be guilty of every crime they ever have been accused
of of
more. So much for “I’m not going to pardon Hunter”.
Reply 674 10 Share
1pingyes2pingsno
1 hour ago
"I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted".
In that case, there are an awful lot of Republican citizens fitting that description who have been unfairly
nd even illegally prosecuted by Dem politicians and Soros-funded DAs over the last four years. What
them?
Reply 220 4 Share
9 replies

ReformAndRestore
59 minutes ago
I never expected any different from Joe. He has nothing to lose, his reputation is already shot. Imagine
dinner if he hadn't agreed to it!
Reply 84 Share
2 replies
Show 45 more replies

nonsenseovertruth
1 hour ago
Just another lie from Joe. How many
times did he say he wouldn’t pardon him? I don’t blame him but
lie and act like that wasn’t the plan from the beginning.
Reply 832 5 Share
godandcountry2021
1 hour ago
There are some charges were not brought against Hunter Yet.... such
that as unregistered foreign agent,
money laundering. would expect to see those in February.I

Reply 168 2 Share

18 replies

truelight70
1 hour ago
Thanks Biden proving me right
for … always said Joe will never keep any promise!
Reply 304 2 Share
6 replies
Show 58 more replies

vanative
1 hour ago
I'd there were more than 10 people in the country that actually believed Biden when he said
be shocked if

e wouldn't pardon him. We all knew as soon as the election was over that he'd pardon him. Just goes
show...he didn't mind lying to the American public at all, his mistake was that he thou... See more
Reply 24 Share

Show More Comments

Powered by Terms Privacy Feedback

U.S. Politics World Opinion Media Entertainment

Crime Executive U.N. FOX Nation Coverage Celebrity News
Military Senate Conflicts Movies
Education House Terrorism TV News
Terror Judiciary Disasters Music News
Immigration Foreign Policy Global Economy Style News
Economy Polls Environment Entertainment Video
Personal Freedoms Elections Religion
Fox News Investigates Scandals
Digital Originals

Sports Lifestyle FOX Business Science & Tech Watch Live About
2024 World Series Health Personal Finance Air & Space FOX News Shows Contact Us
NFL Food & Drink Economy Security Programming Schedule Careers
College Football Auto Markets Innovation On Air Personalities Fox Around the World
MLB Travel & Outdoors Watchlist Video Games Full Episodes Advertise With Us
NBA Real Estate Lifestyle Military Tech Show Clips Media Relations
NHL House & Home Real Estate Planet Earth News Clips Corporate Information
Golf Fitness & Well-being Tech Wild Nature Compliance
Tennis Style & Beauty
Soccer Family
UFC Faith
WWE
Apps & Products Games
FOX News Go DailyCrossword Puzzle
FOX Weather Crazy Crystals Match 3 Game
FOX Nation Word Search
FOX Noticias Mini Crossword Puzzle
FOX News Shop Stack and Match Block
FOX News Radio Puzzle
Outkick 5 Across the Letter Word
Newsletters
Game
Podcasts

Updated Terms of Use New Privacy Policy Your Privacy Choices Closed Caption Policy Help Contact Us Accessibility Statement
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-
time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions Legal Statement . .

Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper .