White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre came away with egg on her face after repeatedly emphasizing that President Biden had no plans to pardon his son during her tenure in the administration.
On Sunday evening, Biden has officially granted a pardon his son Hunter due to his recent convictions on tax and gun charges.
“Today I signed a pardon for my son Hunter,” Biden wrote in a statement. “From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Department of Justice’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I watched my son be selectively and unjustly prosecuted.”
President Biden previously claimed he would respect the outcomes of his son’s trials. (Getty Images)
“Without aggravating factors such as use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a gun as a straw buyer, people are almost never tried on a crime charge solely because of the way they filled out a gun form,” the president’s statement continued . “Those who paid their taxes late due to serious addictions, but then paid them back with interest and penalties, typically receive non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently.”
KJP SAYS PRESIDENT BIDEN STILL HAS NO PLANS TO GIVE HUNTER BIDEN CHARGES FOR TAX FRAUD AND GUN COSTS
This statement came after Jean-Pierre denied multiple times that Biden was considering a pardon, even while Hunter was being prosecuted.
July 2023
In July, Fox NewsMark Meredith asked Jean-Pierre if there was any possibility that Biden would eventually pardon his son, since Hunter was facing two charges of willfully failing to pay federal income taxes.
“No,” Jean-Pierre said simply.
She also interrupted an attempted follow-up question, saying, “I just said no,” before moving on to another reporter.
WATCH: WHITE HOUSE CLOSES OFF THE POSSIBILITY OF HUNTER BIDEN PARDON
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre argued as early as July 2023 that Hunter Biden would not be pardoned. (Getty Images)
September 2023
After Hunter was indicted on federal charges of making false statements and unlawful possession of a firearm, Jean-Pierre revisited the possibility of Biden pardoning his son.
“So I’ve answered this question before. The question was asked to me not so long ago – a few weeks ago – and I was very clear and said no,” Jean-Pierre replied.
December 2023
Jean-Pierre gave reporters a more detailed answer after Hunter faced nine criminal charges in a federal tax evasion case.
“Nothing has changed. That is still the case,” Jean-Pierre said when asked whether Biden would pardon Hunter.
“I mean, the president has said this before, and he will continue to say that he loves and supports his son as he continues to rebuild his life. And I’ll be very careful not to comment on this. and refer to the Department of Justice or my colleagues in the White House Counsel. But that’s what I’m going to do – I’m not going to go beyond telling you everything the president has said over and over again. He is proud of his son and he is rebuilding his life,” Jean-Pierre said.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre claimed she had not discussed the issue with Biden, while claiming he would not pardon his son. (Getty Images)
HUNTER BIDEN CHARGES: WHITE HOUSE ASKED IF THE PRESIDENT WILL GIVE HIS SON
June 2024
Many months later, said Biden himself he would not pardon his son and accept the results of his son’s federal trial during an interview with ABC News’ David Muir in Normandy, France.
After the interview, Jean-Pierre echoed Biden had no intention of pardoning his son and had not discussed this with the president.
“Yes, so look, as I said at the top, I have nothing to say other than – to your first question – other than the President’s statement yesterday. He has been very clear. We have been very clear. You know, he loves his son, and he and the First Lady love their son, and they support their son. I just have nothing, certainly nothing more than that.
When pressed, she added, “Look, what I’m saying is that the president – the Pre- – I haven’t talked to the president about this. And what I’m saying is that he was asked for pardon. about – he was specifically asked about the process. And he answered very clearly, very candidly. We know the sentencing hasn’t even been scheduled yet on this.”
August 2024
After Biden withdrew from the presidential race, a reporter asked Jean-Pierre whether he would tell Vice President Kamala Harris not to pardon his son if she were elected.
“I – I mean, that’s a hypothetical that I – look, the president – I can speak for the president, and he said he wouldn’t pardon his son. And I’ll just leave it at that,” said Jean-Pierre. .
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said as recently as November that there were no plans to pardon Hunter Biden. (Getty Images)
November 2024
Shortly after newly elected President Donald Trump won the 2024 elections, Jean-Pierre reiterated that her answer had not changed.
“We have been asked that question several times. Our answer is no,” the press secretary said.
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Fox News’ Brandon Gillespie contributed to this report.
