An unearthed video of Hunter Biden smiling and showing a confident demeanor while being pressed about a possible pardon has raised questions about when his father made the decision to pardon him. Despite President Biden's repeated statements that he would not pardon his son and would not interfere with the criminal justice process, Hunter Biden maintained a confident attitude even when facing a maximum sentence of 17 years in federal prison.
The 30-second video, obtained recently, shows Hunter smiling wryly and walking away after being questioned about expecting a pardon while leaving a restaurant in Malibu, California, on July 31, 2024. This incident occurred after Hunter Biden was convicted of three felony charges related to the illegal purchase of a firearm and shortly before he pleaded guilty to tax evasion.
As Hunter exits the restaurant with actor Sean Penn, he is asked about his well-being and the possibility of a pardon. Despite not verbally responding to the question, Hunter flashes a large smile as a woman, likely a Secret Service agent, intervenes. The video captures the moment as Hunter Biden steps into a black vehicle, maintaining his silence but acknowledging the man's support.
Following his conviction in June for lying on a federal screening form and possessing a firearm while addicted to drugs, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges in September. Despite President Biden's previous statements ruling out a pardon for his son, he granted Hunter a full and unconditional pardon on Sunday night, covering offenses from 2014 to 2024.
In response to the pardon, President Biden cited political motivations behind the charges against his son, claiming that Hunter was unfairly targeted due to political opponents seeking to undermine him. The president expressed his belief that Hunter was treated differently and that the legal proceedings against him were influenced by political bias.
Hunter Biden's sentencing, initially scheduled for December 16, now faces a different outcome following the presidential pardon, sparking further debate and scrutiny over the handling of his legal cases.