White House refuses to rule out Joe Biden commuting Hunter's sentence for buying a gun while addicted to crack... with President blaming his re-election campaign' for the conviction
- The White House refused to rule out if Hunter's sentence would be commuted
- Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre peppered with questions en route to Italy
- READ MORE: Hunter Biden found GUILTY at federal gun trial
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to rule out President Joe Biden commuting son Hunter's sentence for buying a gun while addicted to crack cocaine.
'I haven't spoken to the president about this since the verdict came out. And as we all know, the sentencing hasn't even been scheduled yet,' Jean-Pierre said in a gaggle with reporters on board Air Force One Wednesday.
Politico reported Tuesday that Biden had complained that Hunter even facing trial was thanks to partisan politics.
'If I weren't running for reelection, he would have gotten the plea deal,' the president told a confidant earlier this month, a source familiar with the conversation told the publication.
But still, the president had previously vowed not to pardon his son.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to rule out President Joe Biden commuting son Hunter's sentence for buying a gun while addicted to crack cocaine
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was questioned about Hunter's gun conviction on board Air Force One Wednesday en route to Italy
As president, Biden has the power to commute federal sentences.
A commutation would allow Hunter to escape jail time or other punishment for the three federal gun charges - but his conviction would still stand.
Asked again if she was ruling out the president commuting his son's punishment, Jean-Pierre punted for a second time.
'What I'm saying is that the president, I have not spoken to the president about this. And what I'm saying is he was asked about a pardon he was asked about, he was asked about the trial specifically, he answered it very clearly, very forthright. As we know the sentencing hasn't even been scheduled yet. I don't have anything beyond what the president said. He's been very clear about this,' she noted.
Hunter Biden faces a maximum of 25 years in prison for the three felony counts.
As a first-time offender, he could get probation, home confinement, or community service.
His sentencing date hasn't been set yet but Judge Maryellen Noreika noted they are usually set for about four months out.
That would put it just weeks ahead of the November presidential election.
Hunter also will have to undergo an interview with a probation board, which is standard procedure.
The president changed his schedule Tuesday after Hunter was found guilty on all three gun charges.
He took Marine One to Delaware Air National Guard where he had a dramatic reunion with Hunter, wife Melissa and baby Beau in front of reporters - hugging all three family members before stepping into his black SUV.
So far Biden has only offered a statement to the press and hasn't taken question on Hunter's conviction.
Jean-Pierre offered little else - refusing to even say how much time Biden spent with Hunter, Melissa, Beau and other Biden family members.
