Jill Biden 'pressured' husband Joe to change his mind and pardon son Hunter, claims report

WASHINGTON, DC: First Lady Jill Biden may have played a role in President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son Hunter over convictions in federal gun charges and federal tax evasion charges, according to a report by CNN.

In a statement shared on Sunday, December 1, Biden announced, "Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted."

The move came as a shock to many, as the 82-year-old incumbent had repeatedly stated ahead of the 2024 general election that he would not interfere with his son's trials, as "no one is above the law."

Report on Jill Biden's involvement in son Hunter Biden's pardon

CNN’s chief national affairs correspondent Jeff Zeleny appeared on the network to discuss the subject on Monday, when he claimed that POTUS was influenced by member(s) within the family, possibly his wife, to go back on his words and pardon Hunter.

"Clearly there was pressure inside the family,” said Zeleny. "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."

"The president was not sure," he added. "We clearly see now that he has come to this decision to pardon his son Hunter."

Jill Biden, 73, broke her silence on the issue on Monday as well, admitting that she backed Biden's recent move, reported the New York Post.

"Of course, I support the pardon of my son,” she told reporters at the White House on Monday.

Internet divided over who should be held responsible for Hunter Biden's pardon

Netizens were split in their opinion on the report, as demonstrated by their comments on the social media platform X. While some insisted on the First Lady being in the driver's seat, others claimed POTUS was throwing her under the bus for his decision.

"Breaking news. Jill Biden has been telling Joe Biden what to do for years and he has never made a decision for himself in at least a half decade," wrote a user.

"I don’t believe this for a second. This is Joe Biden trying to save face and do damage control !!" shared another.

"Jill’s running the show not Joe," claimed a third.

"Joe can never be held responsible for things Joe does, you see," quipped a fourth.

"Jill has been the boss of Joe for a long time!" jibed a fifth.

"Sure Joe, blame it on your wife," said another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.