At the G-7 summit in Italy, President Joe Biden expressed his pride in his son, Hunter Biden, while also stating he would not pardon him. This marked the first time the president has commented publicly on Hunter’s recent conviction.
President Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met during the summit to sign a joint agreement between the two countries, solidifying their cooperation as the Russian-Ukrainian war continues. Following the signing, both leaders took questions from reporters.
A reporter from The Associated Press asked President Biden about expanding the parameters on U.S. weapons into Russia and also inquired about his son’s trial. The reporter noted the common struggle of dealing with addiction and the criminal justice system, asking if Hunter Biden received a fair trial and if the Justice Department operated independently of politics.
“With regard to the question regarding the family, 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. And I am satisfied that I’m not going to do anything. I said, I’d abide by the jury decision. I will do that, and I will not pardon him,” President Biden responded.
Hunter Biden was found guilty of federal gun charges by a Delaware jury on Tuesday. He faces up to 25 years in prison, although he is not expected to receive the maximum penalty.
The G-7 summit, held in Italy’s southern Puglia region, brought together leaders from Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and representatives from the European Union. The event focused on a range of international issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, climate change, and African development.
The summit, which concludes on June 15, provided a platform for leaders to discuss and address some of the most pressing global challenges of our time.
