Trump Hints at Possibility of Pardoning Hunter Biden: ‘I Wouldn’t Take It Off the Books’

Former President Donald Trump said Thursday that he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of pardoning Hunter Biden if he returns to office, though he suggested President Joe Biden might issue the pardon first.

Speaking to syndicated radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump, 78, discussed the potential clemency for the president’s son, who was convicted of several federal felonies earlier this year.

Trump called Hunted Biden a “bad boy” and referenced his “laptop from hell.”

“I wouldn’t take it off the books,” Trump said when asked if he would consider pardoning Hunter Biden, 54. He noted that although he had previously declined to answer the question, the issue deserved consideration. “See, unlike Joe Biden, despite what they’ve done to me, where they’ve gone after me so viciously, despite what — and Hunter’s a bad boy.

There’s no question about it. He’s been a bad boy,” Trump added, referencing Hunter’s past scandals, including his controversial laptop. “But I happen to think it’s very bad for our country.”

Hunter Biden also pleaded guilty to federal tax charges. AP

Trump also reflected on his relationship with Hillary Clinton, his Democratic opponent in the 2016 election, and the widespread chants of “lock her up” that became a hallmark of his rallies.

The former president said that after winning the election, he could have pursued charges against Clinton but chose not to, believing it would have been damaging for the country.

“I could have gone after Hillary. I could have gotten Hillary Clinton very easily,” Trump said. “And when they say ‘lock her up,’ you know, they’d start, 30,000 people, ‘lock her up, lock her up.’ What did I do? I always say take it easy, just relax. We’re winning.

Hunter Biden and his wife Melissa Cohen Biden leaving court in Los Angeles on Sept. 5, 2024 after he pleaded guilty. David Buchan/New York Post

Take it easy.” He added, “I could have had her put in jail. And I decided I didn’t want to do that. I thought it would look terrible. You had the wife of the president of the United States going to jail. I thought it would be very bad if we did that. And I made sure that didn’t happen.”

Hunter Biden was convicted in June of three federal felonies related to lying about his drug use while purchasing a gun. Although he could face up to 25 years in prison, legal experts suggest he may receive a lighter sentence due to his lack of prior convictions.

President Biden has previously said he wouldn’t pardon his son.

Additionally, in September, the president’s son pleaded guilty to charges of evading $1.4 million in federal taxes. On those charges, Hunter could face up to 17 years in prison.

While President Biden, 81, has stated in the past that he would not pardon his son, there is widespread speculation that he may reconsider or commute Hunter’s sentence before leaving office on January 20, 2025.