On Thursday, President Joe Biden said he will not use his presidential powers to reduce the eventual sentence his son Hunter will receive for his federal felony conviction on gun crimes.
Some critics, including Sen. Ted Cruz, aren’t so sure.
After a news conference at the Group of Seven summit of the world’s wealthiest democracies, Biden was asked if he plans to commute the sentence for his son. He responded that he would not. Hunter Biden’s sentencing date has not been set, and the three counts he was convicted of carry up to 25 years in prison, although that’s unlikely since he is a first-time offender.
In the end, U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who was nominated to the bench by former Republican President Donald Trump, will decide how much time, if any, Hunter Biden will serve behind bars.
Biden’s comments came one day after the White House declined to rule out a potential commutation for Hunter Biden. For months, both the president and the White House have said that Biden would not pardon his son.
“I’m extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction. He is one of the brightest most decent men I know,” Biden said earlier during the news conference Thursday. “I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.”
Of course, not everyone buys Hunter Biden’s promise. Some critics have floated the possibility of a change of heart on Biden’s last day in office, if he loses. Others have raised the possibility of a presidential pardon coming right after Inauguration Day, if he wins.
Sen. Ted Cruz, a renowned lawyer, has some thoughts on the subject.
“I predict that Joe Biden will pardon Hunter Biden,” the Texas Republican said. “If Biden wins in 2024, I believe Hunter will be pardoned right before he goes to jail. If Biden loses, Hunter will be pardoned right before Biden leaves office.”
Listen here —
I predict that Joe Biden will pardon Hunter Biden.
If Biden wins in 2024, I believe Hunter will be pardoned right before he goes to jail.
If Biden loses, Hunter will be pardoned right before Biden leaves office.https://t.co/nLkY9VHBuE pic.twitter.com/AEwryfbJk6
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 12, 2024
The Associated Press contributed to this article.