Jun 12, 2024 - Politics & Policy

White House doesn't rule out commuting Hunter Biden's sentence

Erin Doherty

Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, arrives to the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 06, 2024 in Wilmington, Delaware. — Hunter Biden arrives to the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building on June 6 in Wilmington, Del. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

The White House on Wednesday did not rule out a possible presidential commutation for Hunter Biden after he was found guilty on all three charges in his federal gun trial.

Why it matters: President Biden has ruled out a pardon for Hunter Biden, but a commutation could reduce any sentence that the president's son faces while allowing his conviction to stand.

Hunter Biden, convicted on Tuesday in his federal trial, faces up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000, although it's unlikely he would receive the maximum sentence as a first-time offender.
His sentencing will likely be about 120 days after his verdict, so in about October.

Driving the news: "As we all know, the sentencing hasn't even been scheduled yet," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Wednesday on Air Force One, per the Associated Press.

Jean-Pierre said that Biden "was very clear, very upfront, obviously very definitive" about a potential pardon, but on a commutation she said, "I just don't have anything beyond that."

What's next: Hunter Biden also faces a trial in September over federal tax charges in California.

Go deeper: What's next for Hunter Biden in federal gun case

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White House doesn't rule out commuting Hunter Biden's sentence

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