Donald Trump explains why he's open to pardoning 'bad boy' Hunter Biden if re-elected
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Donald Trump revealed that he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of pardoning Hunter Biden should President Joe Biden not do so first.
The former president suggested that while Hunter, 54, has made serious mistakes, the issue could have broader implications for the nation.
Donald Trump’s stance on a potential pardon
When asked if he would consider granting clemency to Hunter Biden, who was convicted earlier this year of multiple felonies, Donald Trump said, “I wouldn’t take it off the books.”
In a radio interview with Hugh Hewitt on Thursday, October 24, the 78-year-old politician acknowledged Hunter’s troubled past but implied that a pardon could serve the country’s interests.
“Hunter’s a bad boy. There’s no question about it,” said Trump, adding, “All you had to do is see the laptop from hell — but I happen to think it’s very bad for our country.”
The former president's remarks come amid growing speculation that President Joe Biden may eventually pardon or commute his son’s sentence before leaving office in January 2025.
While Biden, 81, has publicly denied plans to pardon Hunter, many expect that stance to change, especially given the potential political fallout, according to New York Post.
Donald Trump's reflections on Hillary Clinton and the 2016 election
In the same interview, Donald Trump also reflected on his previous decision not to pursue criminal charges against his 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton.
He recalled the infamous “lock her up” chants from his supporters and said he had the power to imprison Clinton but opted against it.
“I could have gone after Hillary. I could have gotten Hillary Clinton very easily,” Trump said, adding “And when they say lock her up... I always say take it easy, just relax. We’re winning. Take it easy.”
Trump explained that he thought jailing Clinton would have been harmful to the country’s image.
“I could have had her put in jail. And I decided I didn’t want to do that. I thought it would look terrible,” Trump continued.
“You had the wife of the president of the United States going to jail. I thought it would be very bad if we did that,” he added.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles
In June, Hunter Biden was convicted of three federal felonies related to lying about his drug use while purchasing a firearm.
He now faces up to 25 years in prison, though he is expected to receive a lighter sentence due to his lack of prior convictions.
In addition, Hunter pleaded guilty in September to failing to pay $1.4 million in federal taxes, charges that could result in up to 17 more years in prison.
