First Lady Jill Biden emerged as a decisive force behind President Joe Biden’s full and unconditional pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, covering federal offenses committed between January 2014 and December 2024. Despite the controversy surrounding the decision and a strained relationship marked by Hunter’s past derogatory comments, Jill Biden’s advocacy ultimately swayed the President.
CNN’s Chief National Affairs Correspondent, Jeff Zeleny, reported that President Biden initially hesitated about issuing the pardon. “We were told really in recent weeks that Dr. Jill Biden—First Lady Jill Biden—was very supportive of the president doing something like this,” Zeleny said. The President had publicly stated earlier that he would not use his executive powers to benefit his family, making the decision a stark reversal of his previous position.
Publicly, Jill Biden stood firm in her defense of the pardon. While unveiling the White House Christmas decorations, she told reporters, “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” Her unwavering support highlights her commitment to family unity despite past tensions. Text messages revealed during previous investigations showed Hunter referring to Jill Biden as an “entitled (expletive)” and a “vindictive moron.” Yet, these personal grievances did not deter her advocacy for the pardon of her step-son.
The pardon covers a range of offenses, including three gun-related felonies and Hunter Biden’s guilty plea for $1.4 million in tax fraud on foreign earnings. The charges stemmed from what Hunter described as his “darkest days of addiction,” a period he claimed was exploited to “publicly humiliate and shame” him and his family for political purposes.
President Biden defended the pardon, stating that Hunter was “treated differently and selectively prosecuted only because he is the President’s son.” He characterized the legal process as politically motivated, claiming opponents used Hunter’s personal struggles to attack him and undermine his presidency. The decision came after a plea deal unraveled in court and as Hunter faced sentencing hearings for his convictions.
Sources close to the White House revealed that Jill Biden’s influence on the decision was significant, with her persistent advocacy reportedly helping to change the President’s mind. Earlier this year, Jill Biden attended Hunter’s trial for gun charges, a move seen as an act of solidarity. Her involvement underscores her pivotal role in navigating the intersection of family loyalty and political strategy.
The pardon has been met with widespread criticism. Democrats and clemency advocates have voiced concerns that the decision reflects a double standard, favoring the President’s family while undermining the principle of impartial justice.
Republican opponents have also seized the moment to accuse the Biden administration of hypocrisy, drawing parallels to prior criticisms leveled against former President Donald Trump’s use of pardon powers.