Karine Jean-Pierre Faces Questions from Reporters in First Briefing After Hunter Biden Pardon, Blames Republicans for Their Relentless Criticism
OAN Staff Blake Wolf
2:33 PM – Friday, December 6, 2024
For the first time since President Joe Biden granted a broad pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre conducted a formal press briefing, hinting at the possibility of “more to come.”
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During the Friday briefing, reporters pressed Jean-Pierre about Biden’s reversal on his previous commitments. This move was also criticized by various Democratic figures, including California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, Representative Greg Landsman from Ohio, and Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado, among others.
“When the president says he will or won’t take action, why should the American public trust him?” one reporter queried.
Jean-Pierre initially did not respond directly and subsequently directed her remarks towards Republicans, stating they would “not let up,” and noted that “circumstances have changed.”
“I recognize what I said,” Jean-Pierre remarked, referring to her repeated assertions that President Biden would not grant a pardon to his son. “I understand what the president said at that time. It reflects where we were then. … He battled with this decision and arrived at it.”
“Certain circumstances have evolved, including Republicans’ unwavering stance, making it clear they will continue. I also noted the recent appointments of legal enforcement positions by Trump supporters who have stated they intend to seek retribution during their campaigns.”
Additionally, Jean-Pierre faced inquiries regarding President Biden’s claim that Hunter was “selectively and unfairly prosecuted” while also chastising Trump for articulating a similar viewpoint.
“Let me be straightforward. The cases involving Hunter Biden and the remarks of the incoming president are not comparable,” she argued. “I simply don’t view these two situations as alike.”
Jean-Pierre disclosed that the president is considering the prospect of issuing “preemptive pardons” for specific Democrats.
“I won’t get ahead of the president. However, the president is actively assessing potential next steps, and there will definitely be more developments,” she indicated.
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