President Biden won't pardon son Hunter, White House says

WASHINGTON − You can end any speculation about a possible Hunter Biden pardon.

The White House ruled out President Joe Biden using his presidential authority to pardon his son Hunter, who is set to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax and gun charges.

"No," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday when asked whether there is any possibility Biden would pardon Hunter Biden, putting to rest a theory pushed by Republican critics.

A plea deal in Hunter Biden's criminal case unraveled in Delaware federal court Wednesday after a judge raised concerns about the terms of the agreement including assurance Hunter Biden's legal team sought for immunity from any other criminal charges.

President Biden has given no indication that he planned to pardon Hunter Biden, but that hasn't stopped some Republicans from suggesting he might. Former President Donald Trump issued pardons and commutations to multiple political allies including Stephen Bannon and Roger Stone.

Hunter Biden entered Wednesday's court hearing with an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to two tax charges and avoid prosecution on a gun charge in the criminal case against the president's son.

But U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika would not accept the agreement, raising concerns with its terms and telling both sides she would not be a "rubber stamp."

The hearing ended with Hunter Biden pleading not guilty to two misdemeanor charges for failing to pay his taxes in 2017 and 2018, when he received more than $1.5 million each year. Hunter Biden is expected to reverse his plea if his lawyers reach an agreement with prosecutors that meets the judge's satisfaction.

Noreika, appointed to the bench by former President Donald Trump, asked the parties to submit legal briefs on the legitimacy of the deals offered to Hunter Biden within 30 days.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hunter Biden won't get a pardon from his dad President Biden