President Joe Biden reversed his stance and pardoned his son Hunter after significant family influence during Thanksgiving.
The Daily Mail reported that in a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden announced a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, following a family-oriented Thanksgiving vacation. Initially, the President had firmly stated that no pardon would be forthcoming for Hunter, setting a clear policy on the matter.
During the Thanksgiving holiday, the Biden family gathered at a luxurious $36 million compound in Nantucket.
This setting, away from the usual political pressures, allowed for deep familial interactions that significantly influenced the President’s decision.
The family members present included First Lady Jill Biden, Hunter Biden, and his wife Melissa, along with Ashley Biden, the President's daughter.
Ashley Biden took to Instagram to support her father's decision, denouncing the attacks on her brother as "cruel and politically motivated."
Her public statement highlighted the emotional backdrop against which the pardon was considered. Meanwhile, Jill Biden, known for her steadfast support for her son, was pivotal in the pardon decision, advocating strongly for Hunter’s case.
Jill Biden's support for Hunter is not new; she has been his staunch ally through various challenges, including his gun trial in June. During that period, she crossed the Atlantic to be by his side, demonstrating her unwavering support. A source close to the family echoed this sentiment, stating, "Hunter has no greater defender than Jill."
The Biden family has a longstanding tradition of spending Thanksgiving in Nantucket, a tradition spanning 49 years. Although this year's gathering was smaller, the intimate setting allowed for meaningful discussions about the family and Hunter's situation.
During the vacation, when asked what he was thankful for, President Biden succinctly responded, "My family."
This sentiment underscored the deep familial bonds that ultimately influenced his decision-making process about the pardon. Hunter Biden himself kept a low profile during the holiday, making only limited public appearances.
Amid discussions about Hunter's pardon, aides to President Biden, including Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal, were present.
These aides, who hold significant sway within the administration, reportedly did not oppose the decision, aligning with Mrs. Biden's views rather than contradicting them.
Jill Biden’s influence within the family also extends to her perception of loyalty. Her historic grievances with Kathleen Buhle, Hunter's ex-wife, indicate a protective stance towards family unity and reputation.
Contrastingly, Melissa Cohen, Hunter’s current wife, is fully embraced by the family and credited by Hunter for supporting his sobriety.
After announcing Hunter’s pardon, President Biden departed for Africa, leaving his press secretary to handle the ensuing media queries. Jill Biden, when approached by reporters, affirmatively stated her support for the pardon, "Of course, I support the pardon of my son."