President Joe Biden has issued a written statement explaining his decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden. Full written statement from President Joe Biden on his decision to pardon his son:

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday he had pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, reversing his earlier pledge to leave the legal proceedings entirely up to the judicial system. Hunter Biden had pleaded guilty to tax violations and was convicted on firearms-related charges and faced upcoming sentencing.

On Sunday, President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, ahead of the younger Biden's sentencing scheduled for this month for federal felony gun and tax convictions. Hunter Biden was convicted in June on gun and tax related charges.