White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had a terse, one-word answer when asked on Thursday if there was any chance President Joe Biden would consider pardoning his son.
“No,” she replied.
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There are few restrictions on presidential pardon power, but the White House has consistently maintained that it is not interfering with the Justice Department's work on this matter.
Hunter Biden’s plea deal, which would have allowed him to avoid prison time for tax and gun charges, fell apart in court on Wednesday.
The legal setback left the president’s son in limbo. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, to which he had been prepared to plead guilty under the original agreement.
House Republicans have been contemplating an impeachment inquiry against the president to get to the bottom of his alleged involvement in Hunter Biden’s business activities.
The White House has denied the Bidens have been in business together, though previously, it was said they never discussed business.
The elder Biden’s team has hesitated to weigh in on matters involving Hunter Biden.
"Hunter Biden is a private citizen, and this was a personal matter for him. As we have said, the president and the first lady, they love their son, and they support him as he continues to rebuild his life," Jean-Pierre said at Wednesday’s briefing. "This case was handled independently, as all of you know, by the Justice Department, under the leadership of a prosecutor appointed by the former president, President Trump."
"So for anything further, as you know, and we've been very consistent from here, I refer you to the Department of Justice and to Hunter's representatives," she concluded.
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The White House has faced increasing questions about Hunter Biden, as his legal situation has grown complicated, and reports emerged of the president being dialed into his son’s business meetings.
Joe Biden has expressed his love and support for his son, who has battled drug addiction.